AzaSite
AzaSite (azithromycin) is an eye drop used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis, an eye infection also known as pink eye. It belongs to the macrolide antibiotic class and is approved for use in adults and children who are 1 year old and older. The typical dosage for this medication is to put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once or twice a day for 7 days. Most people experience few to no side effects while using AzaSite (azithromycin) as directed.
What is AzaSite (azithromycin)?
What is AzaSite (azithromycin) used for?
Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
How AzaSite (azithromycin) works
AzaSite (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic. It stops bacteria from growing by preventing them from making the proteins they need to survive.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of AzaSite (azithromycin)?
Common Side Effects
- Eye irritation (1-2%)
Other Side Effects
- Blurry vision
- Temporary eye burning and stinging
- Dry eye
- Eye pain
- Eye itching
- Eye discharge
- Inflamed cornea
- Congestion
Serious Side Effects
- Severe allergic reaction: swollen eyelids, redness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, hives
Source:Â DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
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
decreased vision
discharge from the eye
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:
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.
Pros and cons of AzaSite (azithromycin)
Pros
Applied directly to the eye where the infection is
Generally well-tolerated with mild side effects
Full treatment course is only 7 days
Cons
Need to remember to switch from using it twice a day to once a day after day 2
Only treats pink eye caused by bacteria
Only available from a specific specialty pharmacy
Pharmacist tips for AzaSite (azithromycin)
Use AzaSite (azithromycin) as directed by your prescriber. Don't stop using it before you complete treatment, even if your eye starts to get better. Your infection might come back or become harder to treat if you stop using it too early.
Don't let the tip of the AzaSite (azithromycin) bottle touch anything, including your eye, eyelid, or fingers. Otherwise, the medication can get contaminated. Using contaminated medication in the eye can cause serious harm.
In general, it's best to avoid wearing contact lenses if you have an eye infection to prevent worsening the infection or further irritating your eye. Your prescriber will tell you when it's safe to wear contacts again.
To prevent new or worsening bacterial eye infections, wash your hands with soap and water often, as well as before and after using AzaSite (azithromycin).
Store AzaSite (azithromycin) in the refrigerator after you pick it up from the pharmacy. Once the bottle is opened, you can store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but it's only good for 14 days. Throw away the bottle after 14 days of opening. Avoid using leftover eye drops, as they can worsen your eye infection.
How to use AzaSite (azithromycin):
Shake the bottle once before using.
Pull down your lower eyelid with one hand and hold the bottle upside down just above the eye with the other hand. Then gently squeeze the bottle to get the number of drops you need in your eye.
Close your eye and press your finger to the corner of your eye closest to your nose for a minute. This helps the medication stay in your eye and prevents it from leaking into the nose.
Frequently asked questions about AzaSite (azithromycin)
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What are the risks and warnings for AzaSite (azithromycin)?
AzaSite (azithromycin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Only for use on the surface of the eye
Use AzaSite (azithromycin) only on the surface of the eye. Don't put it in your mouth, nose, or other parts of your body. Also don't inject it into any parts of the eye.
Allergic reaction
People who have used other forms of azithromycin, the active ingredient in Azasite, have experienced serious allergic reactions, including trouble breathing, rashes, and swelling of the throat, lips, and mouth. Before taking AzaSite (azithromycin), let your prescriber know if you've ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. They can make sure that the medication is safe for you to use.
New or worsening eye infections
Risk factor: Using AzaSite (azithromycin) longer than prescribed
Using AzaSite (azithromycin) long-term can raise the risk of other eye infections, such as fungal eye infections. It's important to use the medication as directed by your prescriber. You also shouldn't use AzaSite (azithromycin) if you have a viral eye infection because it won't work against this type of eye infection.
AzaSite (azithromycin) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5ml of 1% | 1 eye dropper | $205.02 | $205.02 |
Typical dosing for AzaSite (azithromycin)
The full treatment course for AzaSite (azithromycin) lasts 7 days.
Day 1 to Day 2: Put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) twice a day (8 to 12 hours apart).
Day 3 to Day 7: Put 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.
Interactions between AzaSite (azithromycin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does AzaSite (azithromycin) cost?
What are alternatives to AzaSite (azithromycin)?
Bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Bacterial eye infection
To prevent pink eye (conjunctivitis) in newborns who might be exposed to certain sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) from their mothers during birth
AzaSite (azithromycin) images
References
Best studies we foundGudgel, D. T. (2023). How to put in eye drops. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Thea Pharma Inc. (2024). Azasite- azithromycin monohydrate solution/ drops [package insert]. DailyMed.
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