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Common uses
This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Before using
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking anticoagulants, digoxin, nelfinavir, theophylline, triazolam, rifampin, and certain drugs used for high cholesterol (e.g., lovastatin). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Do not take this medicine within 1 hour before or 2 hours after aluminum- or magnesium-containing antacids. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.
To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will make it easier to remember. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. If moderate to severe diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For women taking birth control pills: this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, you may want to use an additional form of birth control. It is unknown if this drug is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience hearing loss or ringing in the ears. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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