Zithromax (Azithromycin)
Zithromax (Azithromycin) Dosage and Side Effects
ZITHROMAX is an antibiotic medicine used to treat the following types of mild to moderate infections by certain microorganisms in adults such as bronchitis, certain types of skin infections, strep throat (pharyngitis, tonsillitis), genitourinary infections, disseminated mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in people with HIV, and pneumonia.
Warnings and Precautions
Do not use ZITHROMAX if:
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have a history of liver problems when you have used azithromycin.
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are hypersensitive (allergic) to azithromycin, or any macrolide or ketolide antibiotic (including erythromycin) or any other ingredient of ZITHROMAX.
You should begin to feel better within the first few days, but be sure to take for the full number of days your doctor prescribed. Although ZITHROMAX’s dosing is short, you should not expect ZITHROMAX to work faster than other antibiotics which are dosed up to 10 days. If you stop taking too soon, your infection could come back. The next infection may be worse and be more difficult to treat. If you are not able to take all the medicine, tell your doctor.
If you develop diarrhea during or after treatment with ZITHROMAX, tell your doctor at once. Do not use any medicine to treat your diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.
Side Effects
Side effects may include:
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Diarrhea/loose stools
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Stomach pain
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Nausea and vomiting
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Headache
Interactions with this medication
The following may interact with ZITHROMAX:
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Warfarin (or other anticoagulant medicine);
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Cyclosporin (used to suppress the immune system to prevent and treat rejection in organ or bone marrow transplants);
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Digoxin (used for treatment of heart problem);
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Nelfinavir (used for treatment of HIV infections);
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Ergotamine and ergot derivatives (used for migraine treatment). Ergotamine and ergot derivatives should not be used withZITHROMAX.
Some medicines may affect how well ZITHROMAX works. Check with your doctor before starting any new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including natural/herbal remedies or antacids, while on ZITHROMAX.
Proper Use of this medication
Always take ZITHROMAX as the doctor has prescribed for you, depending on the specific condition you have.
ZITHROMAX can be taken with or without food.
Usual adult dose:
If your doctor prescribes ZITHROMAX 250 mg tablets for 3 days for treatment of bronchitis:
Days 1 through 3: Take two tablets each day.
If your doctor prescribes the 5 day ZITHROMAX Z-PAK 250 mg tablets for 5 days for treatment of respiratory tract infections or certain types of skin infections:
Day 1: Take 2 tablets once.
Day 2 through 5: Take 1 tablet daily.
If your doctor prescribes ZITHROMAX 250 mg tablets for 1 day for treatment of genital ulcers or non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis:
Day 1: Take four tablets once.
If your doctor prescribes ZITHROMAX 250 mg tablets for 1 day for treatment of gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis:
Day 1: Take eight tablets once.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take a dose, call your pharmacist or doctor. Do not double dose.
Other related products
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.