Drug Name

Zithromax (Azithromycin)

Drug Uses

Zithromax is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

How Taken

Zithromax comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day for 2-5 days. Take Zithromax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The capsules and tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Zithromax even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zithromax without talking to your doctor. Take Zithromax liquid at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. The capsule and tablet may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin and clarithromycin (Biaxin). It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria organisms, such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and mycobacterium avium, and many others. It is unusual in that it stays in the body for quite a while, allowing for once a day dosing and for shorter treatment courses for most infections.

Azithromycin, like all macrolide antibiotics, prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their ability to make proteins. Due to the differences in the way proteins are made in bacteria and humans, the macrolide antibiotics do not interfere with humans' ability to make proteins.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

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

Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Zithromax, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Zithromax is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Zithromax passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zithromax and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zithromax and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; a rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking azithromycin and seek emergency medical attention:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
  • liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take azithromycin and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;
  • unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache;
  • vaginal yeast infection;
  • a rash; or
  • increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.