Azithromycin ophthalmic (eye) solution is used to treat infections of the eye, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. Azithromycin belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria that cause conjunctivitis.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. This medicine is not for long-term use.

To use the eye drops:

• First, wash your hands. Then turn the closed bottle upside down and shake it one time before putting the medicine in your eye. Remove the cap with the bottle still being held upside down.
• Tilt your head back and pressing your finger gently on the skin just beneath the lower eyelid, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close the eye. Do not blink. Keep the eye closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed.
• If you think you did not get the drop of medicine into your eye properly, repeat the directions with another drop.
• Immediately after using the eye drops, wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them.
• To keep the medicine as germ-free as possible, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface (including the eye). Also, keep the container tightly closed.help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if your symptoms disappeared and even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. Do not miss any doses.To help clear up your eye infection completely, keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if your symptoms disappeared and even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon. Do not miss any doses.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Burning, redness, stinging, or other eye irritation

Rare

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

blurred vision

cough

decreased vision

discharge from the eye

fever

headache

hives or welts

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

skin rash

stuffy or runny nose

swelling of the face

swelling or puffiness of the eyes

tightness of the chest or wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Change in taste

dry eyes

loss of taste

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

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

If your eye infection does not improve within a few days, or if it becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have a rash; itching; hives; hoarseness; shortness of breath; trouble breathing; trouble swallowing; or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after you take this medicine.

Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin; red skin lesions; severe acne or skin rash; sores or ulcers on the skin; or fever or chills while you are using this medicine.

Do not wear contact lenses while you are using this medicine to avoid further eye irritation.