Common Use

Ilosone belongs to the macrolide antibiotics class, which includes Zmax and Biaxin. It is effective against pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is used to treat infections like upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, erythrasma, gonorrhea, syphilis, listeriosis, and Legionnaires' disease.

Dosage and Directions

Your dosage is determined by your age and condition and should only be prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Ilosone without a prescription. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it on an empty stomach is preferred.

Precautions

Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially regarding liver disease, jaundice, or allergies (particularly drug allergies). Prolonged or repeated use of this medication may lead to secondary infections. Use during pregnancy is only recommended if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Since small amounts of the drug may pass into breast milk, consult your doctor before breastfeeding to assess any potential risk to the baby.

Contraindications

Ilosone should not be used if you have hypersensitivity to macrolide antibiotics, preexisting liver disease, epithelial herpes simplex keratitis, fungal eye disease, or vaccinia or varicella (ophthalmic). Use caution when administering to children.

Possible Side Effects

• Dyspepsia (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
• Liver disorders
• Cramps
• Hallucinations
• Loss of consciousness
• Reversible hearing loss
• Ventricular tachycardia

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of Ilosone with cisapride or pimozide can lead to dangerous conditions. Ilosone may intensify the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs like Cordarone, Bretylol, Norpace, Tikosyn, Pronestyl, Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quinora, and Betapace. Theophyllines can reduce Ilosone blood levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Overdose

If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of liver disorders, such as acute liver failure or hearing loss, seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store Ilosone at room temperature (59-77°F or 15-25°C) away from light, moisture, children, and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is general and does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this information or self-treatment.