Zithromax (azithromycin)
What is Zithromax?
Zithromax is an macrolide antibiotic related to erythromycin.It fights bacteria in the body.
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.
In children, it is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.
Zithromax may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Zithromax
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).
There are many other medicines that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Take Zithromax for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
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.
Before taking Zithromax
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Zithromax:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- myasthenia gravis;
- a heart rhythm disorder; or
- a history of Long QT syndrome.
Zithromax is in pregnancy category B. Zithromax is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Zithromax?
Take Zithromax exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with Zithromax may not be the same for every type of infection.
To use the oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use. Throw away any mixed Zithromax oral suspension that has not been used within 12 hours.
To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
Zithromax may be taken with or without food. Take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.
Take Zithromax for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
Store Zithromax at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
What should I avoid while taking Zithromax?
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.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Zithromax can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zithromax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Less serious Zithromax side effects may include:
- mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- stomach pain or upset;
- dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;
- nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);
- vaginal itching or discharge;
- mild itching or skin rash;
- ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or
- decreased sense of taste or smell
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
What other drugs will affect Zithromax?
Many drugs can interact with Zithromax. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
- cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
- phenytoin (Dilantin);
- pimozide (Orap);
- theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);
- triazolam (Halcion);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S, Ery-Tab);
- a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
- cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or simvastatin (Zocor) ;
- ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray); or
- HIV medicines such as nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir) or saquinavir (Invirase).
This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zithromax.