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Dirithromycin |
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What is Dirithromycin and why is it prescribed? Dirithromycin cures certain mild-to-moderate skin infections and respiratory infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and flare-ups of chronic bronchitis. Like all antibiotics, Dirithromycin should be taken until the entire prescription is finished, even if you begin to feel better after the first few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, the strongest germs may survive and cause a relapse. How should you take Dirithromycin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Dirithromycin. Take Dirithromycin with food or within 1 hour after a meal. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Store Dirithromycin at room temperature. Are there any Dirithromycin side effects? Dirithromycin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Dirithromycin side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Less common Dirithromycin side effects may include dizziness/vertigo, gas, hives, increased cough, insomnia, itching, pain, rash, shortness of breath, stomach and intestinal disturbances, and weakness. Rare Dirithromycin side effects may include abnormal stools, allergic reaction, anxiety, constipation, coughing up blood, dehydration, depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, fainting, fever, fluid retention, flu-like symptoms, frequent urination, inflammation of the stomach and intestines, loss of appetite, mouth sores, muscle pain or weakness, neck pain, nervousness, nosebleeds, painful menstruation, "pins and needles", pounding heartbeat, rapid breathing, reduced vision or other eye problems, ringing in ears, sleepiness, sweating, swelling of hands and feet, taste alteration, thirst, tremor, vaginal fungus, vaginal inflammation, and vague feeling of illness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Dirithromycin? If Dirithromycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dirithromycin with Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Famotidine (Pepcid), Nizatidine (Axid), Ranitidine (Zantac), or Theophylline drugs (such as Bronkodyl, Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, and others). The following medications can interact with the related drug erythromycin: Astemizole (Hismanal), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune and Neoral), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Disopyramide (Norpace), Ergot-containing drugs (such as Cafergot and D.H.E.), Lovastatin (Mevacor), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Triazolam (Halcion), or Valproate (Depakene, Depakote). Are there any special warnings about Dirithromycin? Dirithromycin, like certain other antibiotics, may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. A mild case may clear up on its own when the drug is stopped. For a more severe case, your doctor may need to prescribe fluids, electrolytes, and another antibiotic. If you have liver disease, use Dirithromycin with caution and only if absolutely necessary. |
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