Azithromycin OphthalmicAzithromycin

About Azithromycin Ophthalmic

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that slows the growth of bacteria. As an eye drop, the label approves it for bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of CDC coryneform group G, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, the Streptococcus mitis group and Streptococcus pneumoniae; it was studied in patients 1 year and older and is not used in children younger than 1. The course is one drop in the affected eye or eyes twice a day, eight to twelve hours apart, for the first two days, then one drop once a day for the next five days. Skipping doses or stopping early can make the treatment less effective and encourage resistant bacteria, so the full course is finished even if the eye looks better.

There is no boxed warning. The drops are for use in the eye only and are never injected. Anyone allergic to any ingredient must not use them; serious allergic and skin reactions, including angioedema, anaphylaxis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported rarely with azithromycin taken by mouth, so hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or a blistering rash mean stopping and getting help at once. Long use can let fungi or other organisms that the drug does not kill overgrow; if a new infection appears, the prescriber stops it and chooses another treatment. Eye irritation is the most common side effect; blurred vision, dry eye, rash and hives are less common.

What is distinctive is the bottle. One 5 mL bottle holds 2.5 mL of solution, which is the whole course, and it is refrigerated until opened, then kept for no more than 14 days before it is thrown away. People with signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis should not wear contact lenses. Published data and postmarketing experience have not shown a link to major birth defects or miscarriage, and azithromycin is found in breast milk after oral doses, so the prescriber weighs the need for treatment while breastfeeding.

Taking Azithromycin Ophthalmic

How to take it

Wash your hands, turn the closed bottle upside down and shake it once, remove the tan cap, tilt your head back and squeeze one drop into the affected eye; do not let the tip touch the eye, your fingers or any surface. Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops, and do not use the drops if the liquid has changed color or has particles in it.

If you miss a dose

Use it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose; then skip the missed dose and carry on as usual. Do not use two doses at once.

Storage

Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator at 36° to 46°F (2° to 8°C), and do not freeze it. Once opened, it can be kept at 36° to 77°F (2° to 25°C) for up to 14 days and is then thrown away; throw away the white over-cap, keep the tan cap, and keep the bottle tightly closed between doses, out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

Medicines taken by mouth are not likely to affect a drug used in the eye, but tell the prescriber about every medicine and supplement you use, and about any past allergic reaction to azithromycin. Stop the drops and get help at once for hives, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing or a blistering rash.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Azithromycin Ophthalmic differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

AzaSite is a brand with a single labeler and no generic to substitute, so every quote is for the same bottle priced as a brand, and differences come from each pharmacy’s cash pricing for brand products. Because one bottle is the whole course, the price is for a single package plus a dispensing fee, and there is no larger size or ninety-day supply to spread the cost.

The unopened bottle must be stored in a refrigerator, and some pharmacies keep little or no stock of it, so a pharmacy that has to order it in may quote differently from one that keeps it on hand. Other antibiotic eye drops with generic versions are different drugs and cannot be swapped at the counter without a new prescription.

Ways to pay less for Azithromycin Ophthalmic without insurance

• Ask the pharmacy whether AzaSite is in stock before the prescription is sent, so the course can start without delay.
• Compare quotes from more than one pharmacy for the same 2.5 mL bottle.
• Ask the maker whether its savings or patient assistance program applies to someone paying cash; many require commercial insurance.
• If the quote is high, ask the prescriber whether an antibiotic eye drop that has generic versions would suit your infection.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Azithromycin Ophthalmic

1. 1.Has my bottle been kept in the refrigerator, and how long can I use it once I open it?
2. 2.How far apart should I space my AzaSite and my other eye drops?
3. 3.When can I wear my contact lenses again?
4. 4.Which eye symptoms mean my infection is not getting better and I should call my doctor?

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