Brand name: Zithromax
Pronounced: ZITH-roh-macks
Generic name: Azithromycin
Why is Zithromax prescribed?
Zithromax is an antibiotic related to erythromycin. It is prescribed
for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper
and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep
throat), tonsillitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of
the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men. In children,
Zithromax is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis,
and strep throat.
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There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Zithromax,
including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes
speaking, swallowing, and breathing), anaphylaxis (a violent, even
fatal allergic reaction), and serious skin diseases. If you develop
these symptoms, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor immediately.
How should you take Zithromax?
Take Zithromax capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a
meal. Zithromax tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without
food. Do not take any form with an antacid that contains aluminum or
magnesium, such as Di-Gel, Gelusil, Maalox, and others.
If you are using single-dose packets of Zithromax powder for oral
suspension, mix the entire contents of each packet with 2 ounces of
water, drink immediately, then add an additional 2 ounces of water,
mix again, and drink to make sure you've taken the entire dose. When
giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before
each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper.
Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that
remains.
Your doctor will only prescribe Zithromax to treat a bacterial infection;
it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It's important
to take the full dosage schedule of Zithromax, even if you're feeling
better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease
the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria
may become resistant to Zithromax and similar antibiotics.
If you miss a dose Zithromax.
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember
until the next day, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule.
Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.
Storage instructions...
Zithromax should be stored at room temperature.
Zithromax side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Zithromax.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea or loose stools, nausea or vomiting
The single large dose of Zithromax that is prescribed to treat sexually
transmitted infection of the cervix or urinary tract is more likely
to cause stomach and bowel side effects than the smaller doses prescribed
for a skin or respiratory tract infection.
Why should Zithromax not be prescribed?
Do not take Zithromax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
it or to similar antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, and
others).
Special warnings about Zithromax
Like certain other antibiotics, Zithromax may cause a potentially
life-threatening form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis.
Pseudomembranous colitis may clear up spontaneously when the drug is
stopped; if it doesn't, hospital treatment may be required. If you
develop diarrhea, check with your doctor immediately.
If you have a liver problem, your doctor should monitor you very carefully
while you are taking Zithromax.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zithromax
Do not take Zithromax with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium,
such as Maalox and Mylanta.
If Zithromax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Zithromax with the following:
Nelfinavir (Viracept)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and D.H.E.
Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Hexobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. You should take Zithromax during pregnancy only if it
is clearly needed. It is not known whether Zithromax can make its way
into breast milk. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor
may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Zithromax
