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Overview: AzaSite is an antibiotic eye drop used to treat certain eye infections. It stops certain types of bacteria from making proteins they need to live. Common side effects can include eye irritation, blurry vision, or taste changes. Serious side effects are much less common, but may include serious skin reactions. Contact your health care provider right away if you have a flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, or genitals. Complete your prescribed course of AzaSite, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This reduces the risk that future infections are resistant to AzaSite or other similar medicines.

Uses

What is AzaSite used for?

AzaSite (azithromycin) is used for certain eye infections called bacterial conjunctivitis, which is a form of pink eye. Symptoms of this infection include redness, irritation, swelling, and runny eyes. It can be easily spread to both eyes and to other people.

AzaSite may not be the right medicine for the infection listed above, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria in some locations may have become resistant to azithromycin, which will make it not work as well.

AzaSite may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does AzaSite work (mechanism of action)?

AzaSite stops certain types of bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply.

How is Azasite supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Azasite

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% eye drops

How should I store AzaSite?

Before opening, store AzaSite in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). After opening, store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C). Do not keep AzaSite for more than 14 days after opening. Throw away the bottle after 14 days.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of AzaSite?

The most common side effects of AzaSite are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye discomfort including burning, stinging, irritation, dry eye, pain, itching, runny eyes, or feeling like something is in your eye
  • Blurry vision
  • Change in taste
  • Stuffy nose and sinus infection

There may be other side effects of AzaSite that are not listed here. Call your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of AzaSite?

While less common, the most serious side effects of AzaSite are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. AzaSite can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using AzaSite and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severe Skin Reactions. AzaSite can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop AzaSite and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Increased risk of other infections. Using AzaSite for a long time may cause other bacteria or fungus to grow leading to new infections. Tell your health care provider right away if your symptoms do not get better.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use AzaSite?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use AzaSite.

  • AzaSite
  • Azithromycin
  • Azithromycin monohydrate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in AzaSite.

What should I know about AzaSite before using it?

Do not use AzaSite unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not skip drops or stop AzaSite early, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are not resistant to AzaSite or other similar medicines.

Do not share AzaSite with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Wash your hands each time you use AzaSite. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, fingers, or other objects.

Before opening the bottle, turn it upside down and give it a strong shake. Keep the bottle upside down while you take off the cap. Tilt your head back and gently squeeze the bottle to put the drop into the affected eye(s). If a drop misses your eye, try again.

Keep AzaSite out of the reach of children.

Do not wear contact lenses if you have signs or symptoms of an eye infection and until you finish your full treatment with this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using AzaSite?

Tell your health care provider about all your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if AzaSite is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how AzaSite could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use AzaSite while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if AzaSite passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use AzaSite while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about AzaSite?

For more information about AzaSite, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.azasite.com or call them at 833-838-4028.

Interactions

Does AzaSite interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between AzaSite and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect AzaSite.

Does AzaSite interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between AzaSite and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or OTC medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much AzaSite?

If you or someone else has used too much AzaSite, get medical help right away, call 911, or call a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of AzaSite?

It is important to complete your prescribed course of AzaSite, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to AzaSite or other similar medicines.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.