Azithromycin ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 13, 2023.

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]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer