Health Library

Azithromycin (Into the eye)

Azithromycin (ay-zith-roe-MYE-sin)

Treats bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye). This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

AzaSite, Azithromycin 1% in Klarity

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• First 2 days: Use 1 drop in the morning and 1 drop in the evening. Wait 8 to 12 hours after your morning drop before you use another drop in the evening.
• Next 5 days: Use 1 drop per day as directed.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
• Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
• To use the eye drops: Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Put the cap on the bottle right away. Keep the bottle upright when you are not using it.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store unopened medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Once the medicine is opened, you may store it in the refrigerator or in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, for up to 14 days.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed. Throw away any unused medicine after 14 days.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before you use any other medicine or drops in your eyes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not wear contact lenses until your infection is totally gone.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Blurred vision or any changes in vision
• Burning, redness, stinging, or other eye irritation
• Pain or swelling of your eyes
• Rash or itching around your eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in taste
• Dry eye or eye discharge
• Mild skin rash or itching

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024