Zithromax

Zithromax is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotic medications. Zithromax (azithromycin) fights bacteria in your body. Zithromax is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.

Uses of Zithromax

Zithromax is an antibiotic medication used to treat mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. Doctors may occasionally prescribe it for other reasons.

How much Zithromax you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Zithromax you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with Zithromax and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Zithromax exactly -as prescribed by your health care provider. Zithromax may be taken with or without food.

Do not take antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum at the same time that you are taking Zithromax. Long-term or repeated use of Zithromax may cause a second infection. You may need to stop taking Zithromax and start another medication to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Take all of the prescribed medicine. Failure to take all of the Zithromax may prevent complete elimination of bacteria, allowing the infection to return. If severe diarrhea, stomach cramps/pain, or bloody stools occur, contact your health care provider at once. This could be a sign of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor.

Zithromax may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Zithromax may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Do not stop taking Zithromax without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using Zithromax. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do not take more Zithromax than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider.

Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs:

Severe:

• Serious allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• severe diarrhea;
• stomach cramps/pain;
• bloody stools;
• chest pain;
• dark red raised areas of skin.

Adults:

• Pounding in the chest.

Children:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Common in Adults:

• Diarrhea/loose stools;
• nausea;
• stomach pain.

Common in Children:

• Diarrhea/loose stools;
• stomach pain;
• vomiting;
• nausea;
• headache

Other: Adults:

• Indigestion;
• gas;
• vomiting;
• vaginal infection;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• feeling of a whirling motion;
• drowsiness;
• tiredness;
• itching;
• sensitivity to sunlight.

Children:

• Chest pain;
• indigestion;
• constipation;
• loss of appetite;
• gas;
• oral infection;
• chills;
• dizziness;
• agitation;
• nervousness;
• sleeplessness;
• fever;
• tiredness;
• fungal infection;
• general body discomfort; pain;
• increased cough;
• sore throat; runny nose;
• itching;
• sweating;
•  inflammation of the eye;
• dry, itchy skin

Zithromax Precautions

Before using Zithromax, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have impaired liver function; if you have any other medical condition.

If a dose of Zithromax is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.