Azithromycin Viatris (Azithromycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Azithromycin Viatris Used For?
Azithromycin Viatris is an antibiotic medication that belongs to a group called azalides, which are part of the macrolide antibiotic family.
Primary Uses
This medication is specifically used to treat pneumonia, which is a lung infection caused by certain bacteria.
How It Works
Azithromycin Viatris works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that cause your infection. It will not work against viral infections like colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Azithromycin Viatris is addictive.
How to Take Azithromycin Viatris
Azithromycin Viatris is given as a hospital treatment through an intravenous infusion by medical professionals.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 500 mg given over 2 to 5 days. Your doctor will decide the exact amount and length of treatment based on your condition. The medication is given as a slow infusion into a vein over about 60 minutes by a doctor or trained nurse. This treatment may be followed by oral antibiotics.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since this medication is given in a hospital setting under medical supervision, missing doses is very unlikely. Your healthcare team will ensure you receive your medication as scheduled.
Important: Do not stop treatment without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, the infection may not clear completely or may return.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Pain or inflammation at injection site
- Oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush (sore and itchy vagina with white discharge)
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting and loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Stomach pain, indigestion, wind
- Dizziness, spinning sensation
- Headache
- Tiredness, drowsiness, fatigue, restlessness
- Muscle or joint aches
- Rash
- Hearing loss or ringing in ears
- Altered taste and smell
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Diarrhea with blood and mucus, stomach pain and fever
- Severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
- Chest pain
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold sweat
- Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, breathing difficulties)
- Widespread body rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes
- Severe sunburn symptoms
- Decreased feeling or sensitivity in skin
- Signs of infections (fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Dark urine or blood in urine/bowel motions
- Blisters or ulcers on skin, mouth or airways
- Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
- Pain in jaw, neck, back, arm, leg or shoulder
- Numbness or weakness in face, arm, or leg
- Trouble with speech or understanding
- Aggressive behavior, nervousness, agitation, anxiety
- Vision problems
- Trouble walking, loss of balance, lack of coordination
- Fainting
- Convulsions (fits)
Important Warnings
Before receiving Azithromycin Viatris, it’s important to tell your doctor about your medical history and any allergies you may have.
Who Should Not Take Azithromycin Viatris
You should not receive this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin, any other ketolide or macrolide antibiotic (such as roxithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin), or citric acid. Signs of allergic reactions include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems including abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Do not breastfeed without discussing the risks with your doctor first.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Azithromycin Viatris in children have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Azithromycin Viatris and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Contraception: Talk to your doctor about the need for additional contraception while receiving Azithromycin Viatris.
- Antacids (for indigestion)
- Colchicine (for gout)
- Coumarin-type oral anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- Ciclosporin (immune system medication)
- Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication)
- Digoxin (heart medication)
- Ergot derivatives like ergotamine (migraine treatment)
- Terfenadine or astemizole (allergy medications)
- Zidovudine (AIDS treatment)
- Heart rhythm medications (amiodarone, disopyramide, ibutilide, sotalol)
- Antipsychotic medicines (haloperidol, quetiapine, risperidone)
- Antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine)
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin)
Alcohol & Driving
While receiving Azithromycin Viatris in a hospital setting, driving and alcohol consumption are generally not immediate concerns, but be aware of potential effects.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Azithromycin Viatris.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, be careful as Azithromycin Viatris may cause side effects like dizziness that could affect your abilities.
Sun Sensitivity
Protect your skin when in the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm. Wear protective clothing and use 30+ sunscreen. Azithromycin Viatris may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, potentially causing rash, itching, redness, or severe sunburn more quickly than normal.
Storage
Azithromycin Viatris is stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward under proper conditions by healthcare professionals. You don’t need to worry about storage as this medication is only given in healthcare settings.
Overdose Information
Since Azithromycin Viatris is given in a hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects, especially abnormal hearing, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If you’re not in hospital and suspect overdose, go to the nearest emergency department or call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, even if there are no obvious symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should tell your doctor if symptoms of your infection don’t improve within a few days or if they become worse. The usual treatment course is 2 to 5 days.
No, there is no evidence that Azithromycin Viatris is addictive.
Tell your doctor immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it happens several weeks after treatment has stopped. This may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care. Don’t take any medicine for diarrhea without checking with your doctor first.
Yes, you may develop oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth) or vaginal thrush (sore, itchy vagina with white discharge). This happens because antibiotics can allow yeast to grow. Tell your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Yes, Azithromycin Viatris may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight. Protect your skin when outdoors, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, by wearing protective clothing and using 30+ sunscreen.
Tell all doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who treat you that you are receiving Azithromycin Viatris, as it may interact with other medications.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Do not breastfeed without discussing the risks with your doctor first.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.