Zithromax

The active ingredient in Zithromax is azithromycin, which is a macrolide antibiotic. It functions by preventing bacteria from producing specific proteins within their cells. This prevents the germs from growing and spreading.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Zithromax. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Zithromax:

• You can take Zithromax with or without food.
• If taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle before measuring a dose. Use the included dosing syringe, a specialized dose-measuring spoon, or a medicine cup to measure liquid medication. Ask your pharmacist for dose-measuring equipment if you don't already have one.
• Take this medication as directed for the entire recommended duration. Your symptoms can improve before the infection is gone. Additionally, missing doses may make you more susceptible to antibiotic-resistant infections in the future. A viral infection like the flu or a common cold cannot be treated with Zithromax.
• Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax.

The most common side effects of azithromycin include:

• Stomach pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Tiredness.
• Gas.
• Headache.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Zithromax. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Hives, rash, blisters, fever, lip or tongue swelling, and trouble breathing are signs of a serious allergic reaction or angioedema.
• Swelling of the stomach, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, disorientation, and dark urine are signs of worsening liver issues or liver failure.
• Chest pain, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, and dizziness or fainting are symptoms of a life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation and torsades de pointes).
• Frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times a day), fever, nausea, and foul-smelling diarrhea are all signs of infectious diarrhea (caused by C. difficile).
• Serious skin reactions and skin rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Zithromax. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Zithromax, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Experienced liver issues or jaundice as a result of using Zithromax.
• You have an allergy to macrolide or ketolide medications like erythromycin, telithromycin, or clarithromycin.
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness).
• An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Other heart problems, like heart failure.
• Low potassium levels in your blood.

• Severe allergy to ketolide or macrolide antibiotics.
• Severe liver problems associated with the previous use of Zithromax.

Within a few days of beginning azithromycin (Zithromax), you may begin to feel better. For roughly two weeks following your last dosage, this drug will keep fighting the infection.

When Zithromax is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Nelfinavir.
• A blood thinner - Warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
• Digoxin.
• Colchicine

Zithromax is available in an oral tablet and suspension.

Adults

For strep throat, tonsil infections, skin infections, COPD, and pneumonia, the usual dosage is 500 mg tablets taken orally on Day 1 and 250 mg every day on Days 2–5.

The usual dosage for COPD and sinus infections is 500 mg taken orally once daily for three days.

The usual dosage for chancroid and urethral and cervical infections is one to two grams taken orally as a single dose, depending on the infection.

Children

The pediatrician will determine your child's dosage by taking into account their body weight.

For ear infections, the usual dosage can be either (1) 30 mg/kg orally as a single dose, (2) 10 mg/kg orally once a day for three days, or (3) 10 mg/kg orally on Day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg orally on Days 2 through 5.

For sinus infections, 10 mg/kg taken orally once daily for three days is the usual dosage.

For pneumonia, the usual dosage is 10 mg/kg taken orally on Day 1 and 5 mg/kg taken once daily on Days 2–5.

The usual dosage for tonsillitis, bronchitis, and strep throat is 12 mg/kg taken orally once daily for five days.

If you miss a dose of Zithromax, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose. Never take more medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Store your medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Pfizer is the company that manufactures this medication.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Zithromax available.

Even if you feel better, continue taking azithromycin until the entire prescription is finished. Azithromycin should not be stopped unless you encounter serious negative effects.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.