Generic
Azithromycin 1% Eye drop
7 brands available in the market
At a glance
Azithromycin 1% Eye drop is a macrolide antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial eye infections (bacterial conjunctivitis). It works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis to stop bacterial growth and prevent the spread of infection.
Description
Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution is a macrolide antibiotic effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. It binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and stopping bacterial growth.
Indications
Bacterial conjunctivitis.
Therapeutic class
Macrolide Antibiotic
Pharmacological class
Topical Ophthalmic Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Azithromycin 1% eye drops bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis.
Mechanism of action
Azithromycin eye drops bind to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis, which stops bacterial growth and prevents the spread of infection.
Dosage
Bacterial Conjunctivitis (Adults and Children):
- First 2 days: 1 drop in each affected eye, 2 times daily (morning and evening, 8-12 hours apart)
- Next 5 days: 1 drop in each affected eye, once daily
- Total treatment duration: 7 days
Administration
- Wash hands before and after use
- Shake the closed bottle upside down once
- Tilt head back, pull lower eyelid down to form a pocket
- Do not touch dropper tip to eye or eyelashes
- Place 1 drop into the pocket, close eye gently, press on inner corner for 1-2 minutes
- Dab excess liquid with a clean tissue
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common side effects:
- Temporary eye irritation and burning sensation
- Temporary blurred vision
- Eye itching
- Foreign body sensation
Precautions & warnings
- Do not wear contact lenses if you have signs or symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis
- Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surface to maintain sterility
- Discard the bottle 14 days after opening
- Wash hands and use separate towels to prevent spreading infection to the other eye
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic.
Drug interactions
Maintain at least 5 minutes gap between different eye drops.
Food interactions
No food interactions (topical application).
Use in pregnancy
No adequate studies in pregnant women. Animal data shows maternal toxicity; use only if clearly needed with medical advice.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Azithromycin passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby during treatment.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy established in children. Can be used in children over 1 year of age.
Geriatric use
Safety and efficacy established in elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment with topical use.
Overdose effects
No specific information on overdose. Systemic overdose is unlikely with topical application.
Storage conditions
Before opening: Store in refrigerator at 2°-8°C (36°-46°F).
After opening: Store at room temperature or refrigerator at 2°-25°C (36°-77°F).
Discard 14 days after opening.
Chemical structure
Azithromycin