Drug Name: Zithromax
Brand Names: Zithromax, Zmax
Generic Name: Azithromycin
Uses: This drug is used to treat different types of bacterial infections. In adults, it used to treat mild to moderate skin infections, upper and lower respiratory tract infections like pharyngitis and tonsillitis, worsening of chronic onstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract and genital ulcer disease. In children, it is used for the treatment of middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis and strep throat.
How to use: The dosage of the medicine is dependent on the type of infection, age and weight of the person. This will be determined by your doctor. Follow the prescribed dose. These can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects: The common side effects experienced after taking Zithromax are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, headache, vaginal yeast infection and rashes or increased sensitivity to sunlight. In adults, some of the side effects that may be exhibited are indigestion, stomach pain, pounding in the chest, drowsiness and tiredness. For children, yellowing of the skin and eyes, chest pain, constipation, loss of appetite, oral infection, chills, agitation, nervousness, sleeplessness, fever, fungal infection, general body discomfort, increased cough and sore throat. Some serious side effects experienced may also include an allergic reaction which involves closing of the throat and difficulty breathing.
Precautions: Before taking Zithromax, inform your doctor first if you are pregnant, are breastfeeding or may become pregnant on the time of treatment. If you have a liver disease, also inform your doctor about this. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided while on Zithromax medication, this may increase your sensitivity to light. Sunscreens and protective clothing should be worn until tolerance is determined. If you are also taking other medications, either prescribed or non-prescribed, inform your doctor about this.
Drug Interaction: Notify your doctor if you are currently taking any of these medications: carbamezepine, phenytoin, triazolam, digoxin, pimozide, theophylline, warfarin, cyclosporine or any form of antibiotic. Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium like Rolaids, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and Pepcid Complete may decrease the effectiveness of Zithromax. These should be avoided.
Overdose: In the case of an overdose, emergency medical attention should be sought immediately. Some of the effects that may be observed are abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Notes: A doctor, pharmacist or health care provider should be consulted if there are any queries or clarifications needed about Zithromax.
Missed Dose: In the case of a missed dosage, take it as soon as you remember. But if you have remembered it in time for the next dose, don’t double up the dosage. Just miss the skipped one. In case of missing two doses, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Important Note: Use caution while driving or performing activities that may require mental alertness if under the medication. These activities should be avoided first if until you know how you react with the drug. Long term use of Zithromax may cause a second infection. If this happens notify your doctor. He may direct you to stop taking Zithromax and take another type of medicine to treat your infection.
Storage: Zithromax should be stored between 59 to 86 degrees F.
Important Zithromax information (external sources):
Official Zithromax web site offers important information on Zithromax for patients and physicians
Children's reference for Zithromax as an antibiotic - Zithromax can be used to treat acute otitis media (ear infections), community acquired pneumonia, and pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat).
Healthcentral's drug description for Zithromax.
