SUMAMED

This medicine contains the active ingredient azithromycin, which belongs to a group of antibiotics called macrolides. Azithromycin stops the bacteria and other microorganisms that cause infections such as chest, throat or nasal infections, ear infections, skin and soft tissue infections, some genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria, Gonorrhea.

Is Azithromycin suitable for me?

Azithromycin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to azithromycin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have kidney problems
• have heart conditions
• have liver problems
• have a muscle disorder called myasthenia gravis
• have an unusual heart rhythm
• you have nervous (neurological) or mental (psychiatric) problems

Azithromycin interacts with other medicine. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking. See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Azithromycin?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet, capsule and powder for oral suspension.

All of these forms have different use. You should use azithromycin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual dose for tablets/capsules is 500 mg once a day during three days with a total dose of 1500 mg. You may be prescribed the total dose of 1500 mg during a period of 5 days, with 500 mg the first day and 250 mg on days 2 to 5. The maximum dose is prescribed for infections cause by Chlamydia trachomatis, one dose of 1000 mg is taken one time. Capsules should be taken on empty stomach.
• Oral suspension is generally used for children under 45 kg and the dose is 10 mg for each kg of bodyweight, given as a single daily dose for 3 days.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Azithromycin side effects?

Like all medicines azithromycin can cause side effects, including:

 Very common:

• stomach cramps
• feeling sick, diarrhea
• wind

Common:

• dizziness, headache
• numbness or pins and needles
• being sick, indigestion
• loss of appetite, taste disturbance
• visual disturbances, deafness
• skin rash and /or itching
• joint pain
• low numbers of lymphocytes (type of white blood cells)
•  higher number of eosinophils (type of white blood cells)
• low blood bicarbonate
• tiredness or weakness

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.