Zithromax

Zithromax Drug Information

• Zithromax Overview

  Azithromycin is used to prevent and treat a very serious type of infection (mycobacteria or MAC). It is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Zithromax will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

• How to Use Zithromax

  Take Zithromax by mouth, with or without food. You may take Zithromax with food if stomach upset occurs. To prevent infection, take Zithromax as directed by your doctor, usually once a week on the same day each week. Continue to take Zithromax until your doctor tells you to stop. To treat infection, take Zithromax as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at the same time each day. Continue to take Zithromax until your doctor tells you to stop. Stopping the medication too early on your own may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a return of the infection. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take Zithromax at the same time(s) every day. Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.

• Zithromax Precautions

  Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. Zithromax may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Zithromax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, kidney disease, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Azithromycin may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using azithromycin,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using azithromycin safely. Azithromycin may cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not have any immunizations/vaccinations while using Zithromax unless your doctor tells you to. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Zithromax, especially QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, Zithromax should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Zithromax passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Zithromax Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Zithromax, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Zithromax Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.

• Zithromax Side Effects

  What are Zithromax side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Zithromax may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Zithromax as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Zithromax

  The side effects of Zithromax may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Zithromax. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Zithromax may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Zithromax, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Zithromax.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Zithromax, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Zithromax and the side effects associated with Zithromax are described in the following:

  Common Zithromax Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • acute abdominal pain

  Less Frequent Zithromax Side Effects

  Severe

  • skin rash
  • increased alanine transaminase
  • increased aspartate transaminase

  Less Severe

  • vaginitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • anorexia
  • headache disorder
  • vomiting
  • abnormal hepatic function tests

  Rare or Very Rare Zithromax Side Effects

  Severe

  • Clostridium difficile infection
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • hearing loss
  • torsades de pointes
  • prolonged QT interval
  • hepatic necrosis
  • pancreatitis
  • interstitial nephritis
  • acute renal failure
  • erythema multiforme
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • seizure disorder
  • dyspnea
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • neuromuscular blockade
  • eosinophilia
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • hepatitis
  • hepatic failure
  • urticaria
  • hypotension
  • ventricular tachycardia
  • multiple organ failure
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • DRESS syndrome
  • acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis

  Less Severe

  • oral candidiasis
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • agitation
  • aggressive behavior
  • tinnitus
  • stomatitis
  • hyperkinesis
  • drowsy
  • syncope
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • general weakness
  • dysgeusia
  • paresthesia
  • flatulence
  • nervousness
  • irritability
  • palpitations
  • chest pain
  • malaise
  • vertigo
  • skin photosensitivity
  • constipation
  • dyspepsia
  • tongue discoloration
  • gastritis
  • skin inflammation
  • loose stools
  • insomnia
  • arthralgias
  • parosmia

• Zithromax Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Zithromax when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.