Antibiotic Name

Zithromax (Azithromycin)

Drug Uses

Zithromax is used for treating mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. It may also be used alone or with other medicines to treat or prevent certain infections in persons with advanced HIV infection. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Zithromax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Zithromax by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Do not take an antacid that has aluminum or magnesium in it within 1 hour before or 2 hours after you take Zithromax.

Zithromax works best if it is taken at the same time each day.

To clear up your infection completely, use Zithromax for the full course of treatment. Keep using it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic. It slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Zithromax, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Zithromax tablets should be stored between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Store constituted suspension between 5 to 30 degrees C (41 to 86 degrees 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.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Zithromax if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zithromax, to other macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), or to ketolide antibiotics (eg, telithromycin)
• you are taking pimozide

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver or kidney problems or abnormal heart rhythms

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zithromax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Rifampin because it may decrease Zithromax's effectiveness
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zithromax
• Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Zithromax

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; dark red, raised areas of the skin; hearing loss; pounding in the chest; ringing in the ears; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Zithromax, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Zithromax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use Zithromax for other health conditions.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.