Zithromax
Generic name: azithromycin
What is the most important information I should know about Zithromax?
- Do not use Zithromax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.
- There are many other medicines that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
- Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
- Take Zithromax on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
- Do not take Zithromax at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. 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.
How should I take Zithromax?
- Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger 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.
- Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
- 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. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
- Zithromax capsules must be taken on an empty stomach. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal
- Zithromax tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.
- Do not take Zithromax at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. 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.
- Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
- Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.
- It is important to take Zithromax regularly to get the most benefit.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.
What are the possible side effects of Zithromax?
- Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Stop using Zithromax and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
- chest pain, uneven heartbeats; or
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
- Continue using Zithromax and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
- mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain;
- dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;
- vaginal itching or discharge; or
- mild itching or skin rash.
- 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.
