Zetro 200mg/5ml Suspension

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that treats infections caused by bacteria. It is used for infections such as:

• chest infections, including pneumonia
• ear and sinus infections
• skin infections and Lyme disease
• some sexually transmitted infections

It is sometimes taken long term to help prevent repeated chest infections. It does not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. Do not chew them. Take them at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• The liquid can be taken with or without food. Shake it well and use the syringe or spoon provided.
• Take azithromycin at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after indigestion remedies (antacids).
• Finish the course, even if you feel better.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick, being sick or diarrhoea
• loss of appetite or changes in taste
• headache, dizziness or tiredness

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or fainting
• yellow skin or eyes, pale stools or dark urine
• severe diarrhoea, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus, even weeks after finishing
• ringing in the ears, hearing loss or unsteadiness
• severe tummy or back pain
• a blistering or peeling rash, or swelling of the face or throat with difficulty breathing
• vomiting or irritability when feeding in a baby under 6 weeks old

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or another antibiotic
• have liver or kidney problems
• have a heart rhythm problem, including a long QT interval, or low potassium or magnesium
• have had diarrhoea with antibiotics before
• have myasthenia gravis, as azithromycin can make it worse
• have diabetes, as the liquid contains sugar
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Store tablets and liquid at room temperature in the original container, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children. Throw away any liquid left after the course is finished.

Heart rhythm: azithromycin can rarely cause a serious change in heart rhythm, especially in people with heart problems or low salt levels in the blood.

Pregnancy: it can be used in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks; your doctor may choose another antibiotic.

Breastfeeding: it can usually be used if your baby is healthy. Contact a doctor if your baby feeds poorly, has an upset stomach, rash or thrush, or is unusually sleepy.