Brand Names: Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax

Generic Name: Azithromycin (a ZITH roe MYE sin)

What is Zithromax?

In children, it is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Zithromax is an macrolide antibiotic related to erythromycin.It fights bacteria in the body.

How Taken

Zithromax comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day for 2-5 days. Take Zithromax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The capsules and tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Zithromax even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zithromax without talking to your doctor. Take Zithromax liquid at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. The capsule and tablet may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Zithromax, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Zithromax is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Zithromax passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zithromax and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zithromax and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; a rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Zithromax tablets should be stored between 15° to 30° C (59° to 86°F). Store constituted suspension between 5° to 30°C (41° to 86°F) and discard when full dosing is completed or within 10 days. Shake well before each use. Oversized bottle provides shake space. Keep tightly closed.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of Zithromax overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

More Information

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Zithromax may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Disclaimer

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make Zithromax less effective when taken at the same time.

Take Zithromax for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Take Zithromax on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

There are many other medicines that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Do not use Zithromax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).