Azithromycin eye drops

About azithromycin eye drops

Azithromycin eye drops are used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Azithromycin helps to kill the bacteria which are causing the infection. Eye infections are a common cause of conjunctivitis. In conjunctivitis, your eye becomes inflamed, feels gritty, and may water more than usual. The white of your eye may look red, and your eyelids can become swollen and stuck together with a discharge when you wake up in the morning. Azithromycin is used to treat eye infections which produce a lot of pus, and also those caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.

Azithromycin eye drops can be prescribed for adults and children of all ages.

Before using azithromycin eye drops

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using azithromycin eye drops it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, or to any eye drops.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to use azithromycin eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before you use the drops.

2. Open one of the single-dose containers.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the container upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes. (There is sufficient liquid in one container to treat both eyes at the same time.)

8. Throw away the container, even if there is some liquid left in it. Do not store opened containers to use later.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about using the drops and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience.

• If your eyes have an obvious discharge or 'crust', it can help if you bathe them with cool clean water before using azithromycin.

• Use the drops regularly, exactly as your doctor tells you to. You should use the drops twice daily (morning and evening) for three days. You will find six single-use containers in the pack, which is sufficient to complete the course.

• If your symptoms do not improve after using the drops, speak again with your doctor.

• When you first put the drops into your eye, they may cause blurred vision. This should quickly clear, but make sure you can see clearly again before you drive and before you use machines or tools.

• Take care to avoid spreading the infection from one eye to the other, and to other members of the family. Washing your hands regularly (particularly after touching your eyes), and not sharing towels or pillows, will help to prevent the infection from spreading.

• If the tip of the bottle touches your eye(s) when putting the drops in, it is a good idea to squeeze out two or three drops straightaway on to some tissue and rinse the tip with salt water.

• Eye infections can cause your eyes to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Wearing sunglasses may help to prevent this.

• If you are using any other eye drops, leave at least five minutes between applying each preparation. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and not have the intended effect.

• Even when your eye appears normal again, there may still be some bacteria present. It is important to complete the full three-day course of drops. This will help to make sure that all the bacteria have been killed.

• Do not wear contact lenses until your symptoms have completely gone. Wait for at least 24 hours after the last dose of eye drops before using your lenses again.

Can azithromycin eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with azithromycin eye drops. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the drops. Speak with your doctor if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store azithromycin eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Keep unopened units in the sachet provided and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

• Throw away the single-use container after each dose, even if there is some liquid left.

Important information about all medicines