Antibiotics

Drug Uses

Zithromax is an antibiotic that is used to cure mild to severe bacterial infections including mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections and sinus infections.

Usage

Use Zithromax as instructed by your doctor. You may take it either an hour before a meal or two hours after it. It can also be taken with a meal. If you are using antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, then stop using them while taking Zithromax.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, then you can take it as soon as you remember. However, if you don’t remember until the next dose, then you can skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosage. You should never try and compensate by taking a double dose ever.

Storage

Zithromax must be stored at room temperature away from the reach of children.

Overdose

Although there is no information about a Zithromax overdose, most medications when taken in excess can have serious consequences.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Zithromax if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Zithromax, to other macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), or to ketolide antibiotics (eg, telithromycin)
you are taking pimozide

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you have liver or kidney problems or abnormal heart rhythms


Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zithromax. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Rifampin because it may decrease Zithromax's effectiveness
Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zithromax
Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Zithromax

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; upset stomach; vomiting.


Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; dark red, raised areas of the skin; hearing loss; pounding in the chest; ringing in the ears; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Zithromax, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Zithromax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use Zithromax for other health conditions.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.