Applies to azithromycin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, azithromycin ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking azithromycin ophthalmic:
Less common
- Burning, redness, stinging, or other eye irritation
Rare
- Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
- blurred vision
- cough
- decreased vision
- discharge from the eye
- fever
- headache
- hives or welts
- itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- painful irritation of the clear front part of the eye
- shortness of breath or troubled breathing
- skin rash
- stuffy or runny nose
- swelling of the face
- swelling or puffiness of the eyes
- tightness of the chest or wheezing
Other side effects
Some side effects of azithromycin ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
- Change in taste
- dry eyes
- loss of taste
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to azithromycin ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.
Ocular
Very common (10% or more): Ocular discomfort (pruritus, burning, stinging) upon instillation
Common (1% to 10%): Eye irritation, blurred vision, sticky eye sensation, foreign body sensation upon instillation
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctival hyperemia, lacrimation increased upon instillation, erythema of the eyelid
Frequency not reported: Ocular reactions (burning, irritation upon instillation, contact dermatitis, corneal erosion, dry eye, eye pain, itching, ocular discharge, punctate keratitis, reduced visual acuity)
Postmarketing reports: Conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, keratitis, eyelid eczema, eyelid edema, eye allergy[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity[Ref]
Dermatologic
Frequency not reported: Hives/urticaria, rash, facial swelling, periocular swelling
Postmarketing reports: Angioedema[Ref]
Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Dysgeusia[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Nasal congestion, sinusitis[Ref]
