Zithromax
Azithromycin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Zithromax
Zithromax belongs to a group of antibiotics called macrolides. It acts by slowing the growth of bacteria, and by killing of bacteria, which are sensitive by preventing bacterial protein synthesis, the proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.
Therapeutic Uses of Zithromax
Zithromax is used for treating mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria sensitive to it. Zithromax can also be used (alone or in combination with other medicines) to treat or prevent certain infections in persons with advanced HIV infection. It may also be used for other conditions as your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Zithromax
Use Zithromax as per direction of your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Zithromax is taken orally along with food or on empty stomach. If you experience stomach upset, take it along with food to reduce stomach irritation. Do not take an antacid that has aluminum or magnesium in it within 1 hour before taking Zithromax or 2 hours after you taking it. Zithromax works best if it is taken at the same time each day and taking same time each day helps to remember to take it. To clear up your infection completely, Zithromax should be taken for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even for full course even if you feel better in a few days.
If You Miss a Dose of Zithromax
If you miss a dose of Zithromax, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. 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 for missing a dose of it.
How to Store Zithromax
Zithromax tablets should be stored between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Constituted suspension (shake the suspension well before each use) should be stored between 5 to 30 degrees C (41 to 86 degrees F) and discard when full dosing is completed or within 10 days. Use oversized bottle, which provides shake space and keep the lid of the bottle tightly closed. Store it away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store it in bathroom. Keep Zithromax out of reach of children.
More Information About Zithromax
If you have any questions about Zithromax, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Zithromax is for use by the patient only for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use Zithromax for other medical conditions other than the medical condition for which it is prescribed without consulting your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, consult your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Zithromax
Do not use Zithromax if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Zithromax, to other macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, clarithromycin etc. or to ketolide antibiotics like telithromycin.
- If you are also taking pimozide.
Some medical conditions may interact with Zithromax. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any of the following medical conditions that may interact with Zithromax and consult your doctor right away:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (over the counter medicines), any herbal preparation, or any dietary supplements.
- If you are suffering from any liver or kidney problem or abnormal heart rhythm.
- If you have allergies to any medicine, food, or any other substance.
Some medicines may interact with Zithromax. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicine that may interact with Zithromax, especially any of the following medicines:
- Rifampin (generally used in treatment of tuberculosis) because it may decrease the effectiveness of Zithromax.
- Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Zithromax.
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin etc.), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin because Zithromax may increase the risk of their side effects.
Possible Adverse Effects of Zithromax
- All medicines may cause some side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Consult your doctor if any of the most common side effects of Zithromax becomes persistent or become bothersome. Nausea, diarrhea, headache, loose stools, stomach pain, stomach upset, vomiting etc. are common and minor side effects of Zithromax.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any of the uncommon but serious side effects of Zithromax like severe allergic reaction ( the symptoms of severe allergic reaction are rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in stool, chest pain; dark red, raised areas of the skin; loss of hearing; pounding in the chest (palpitation); ringing in the ears or tinnitus; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps or stomach pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.