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Zithromax

Name of the Generic: Azithromycin azithromycin A-ZITH-roe mye-sin [ a-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin
The brand Names are Zithromax and Zmax.
Drug class: Macrolides

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax is an antibiotic that fights against bacteria.Zithromax is used to treat a variety of kinds of infections caused by bacteria, like respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

To prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria to stop the growth of drug-resistant. Zithromax is best used to treat infections that have been established or are strongly believed to be caused by bacteria that are susceptible to it.

Warnings

Zithromax is not recommended. If you've had liver issues or jaundice due to using azithromycin.

Before you take this drug

It is not recommended to use Zithromax. If you're allergic to azithromycin, or

  • If you've ever experienced liver or jaundice problems that were due to Zithromax or
  • You suffer from an allergic reaction to medications like erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin.

To ensure Zithromax is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have previously had:

  • Liver disease;
  • Kidney disease;
  • Myasthenia gravis;
  • A heart rhythm disorder
  • In your blood, you have low potassium levels.
  • Long QT syndrome (in either you or an immediate family member).

Zithromax is not believed to harm the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.

It's not clear if azithromycin can be found in breast milk or whether it can harm the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Don't give Zithromax to a child younger than 6 months.

Similar or related drugs

Prednisone, amoxicillin, albuterol, doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, and metronidazole

How to take Zithromax?

Use Zithromax exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger quantities or for a longer period than prescribed. The dosage and duration of treatment might differ for each type of infection.Zithromax is a medicine that can be used either with or without food.

Mix the suspension (liquid) thoroughly before measuring a dose. Make sure you measure the liquid medicine using the dosing syringe that comes with it, a dosing spoon, or a medicine cup. If you don't own an instrument for measuring doses, request one from your pharmacist.

Make sure to take this medication for the entire prescribed duration. Your symptoms may worsen until the infection is fully removed. In addition, skipping doses could increase the chance of developing new infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Zithromax cannot cure viral infections such as the common cold or the flu.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture. Get rid of any leftover medication in a liquid medication after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Do the dose you missed as soon as you can remember. Avoid your missed dose if you are close to the time of the next dose. Take no additional medications in order to cover the dose you missed.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid this

Avoid taking antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum for more than 2 hours prior to or after taking Zithromax. These include Acid Gone, Aldroxicon, Alternagel, Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Genaton, Maalox, Maldroxal, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Mylagen, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, and others. These antacids may make Zithromax less efficient when used simultaneously.

The use of antibiotics can trigger diarrhea, which could be an indication of a new infection. If you experience bloody or watery diarrhea while taking Zithromax, contact your doctor. Don't take anti-diarrhea medication unless your doctor advises you to.

Avoid exposure to the sun and tanning beds. Zithromax may make you more susceptible to sunburn. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) while you're outdoors.

Side effects of Zithromax

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Zithromax (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever and burning sensations in your eyes, pain in the skin, and an ailment on your skin that is purple or red, which spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling),

Consult a doctor when you experience a serious reaction to a drug that affects various parts of your body. Symptoms may include the following: a skin rash and fever; swelling of glands; flu-like signs; muscle aches; extreme weakness; unusual bruising or discoloration of the eyes or skin. The reaction can occur a few weeks after starting Zithromax.

See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:

  • Extreme stomach discomfort; diarrhea that is bloody or watery;
  • Heartbeats that are fast or rapid, feeling like your chest is fluttering, breathlessness, and a sudden feeling of dizziness (like you're going to faint)
  • Liver issues nausea, stomach discomfort, itching, tiredness, and lack of appetite dark urine, jaundice, stools that are clay-colored (yellowing of the eyes or skin),

Contact your doctor immediately when a baby who is taking Zithromax is irritable or vomiting during feeding or eating.

The older age group is more likely to experience adverse effects on the heart rhythm, which could include an extremely fast heart rate that could be life-threatening.

Common Zithromax adverse effects could be:

  • Diarrhea;
  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain,

This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drugs

Discuss with your physician all the medicines you are currently taking and any new medications you begin or stop using, in particular:

  • Nelfinavir,
  • A blood thinner, warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven.

This list is not comprehensive. Other medications can be incompatible with azithromycin, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as vitamins and herbal supplements. The interactions of azithromycin aren't all mentioned in this medication guide.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

CSA Schedule*
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