Zithromax

Generic Name: azithromycin (a ZITH roe MYE sin)
Brand names: Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax, Zithromax IV

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax (azithromycin) belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Zithromax fights bacteria in the body.

Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Zithromax may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Zithromax

You should not use Zithromax if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use Zithromax if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

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There are many other medicines that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. Avoid taking an antacid within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Zithromax.

Before taking Zithromax

You should not use Zithromax if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use Zithromax if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

To make sure you can safely take Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• myasthenia gravis;

• a heart rhythm disorder; or

• a history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category B. Zithromax is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Zithromax to a child younger than 6 months old.

See also: Zithromax pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

How should I take Zithromax?

Take Zithromax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. The dose and length of treatment with Zithromax may not be the same for every type of infection.

You may take Zithromax with or without food.

To use the Zithromax oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces (approximately 60 mL) of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Shake the Zithromax oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-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 Zithromax for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store Zithromax at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking Zithromax?

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax. This includes Acid Gone, Aldroxicon, Alternagel, Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Genaton, Maalox, Maldroxal, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Mylagen, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, and others. These antacids can make Zithromax less effective when taken at the same time.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Zithromax can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Zithromax side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zithromax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Zithromax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

• headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious Zithromax side effects may include:

• mild diarrhea, vomiting, constipation;

• stomach pain or upset;

• dizziness, tired feeling, mild headache;

• nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);

• vaginal itching or discharge;

• mild rash or itching;

• ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or

• decreased sense of taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Zithromax side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Zithromax?

Many drugs can interact with Zithromax. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• arsenic trioxide (Trisenox);

• cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);

• pimozide (Orap);

• tacrolimus (Prograf);

• theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);

• warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam);

• an antidepressant such as amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), or desipramine (Norpramin);

• anti-malaria medications such as chloroquine (Aralen) or mefloquine (Lariam);

• cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or simvastatin (Zocor);

• ergot medicine such as methysergide (Sansert), ergotamine (Ergostat, Medihaler, Cafergot, Ercaf, Wigraine), dihydroergotamine mesylate (D.H.E., Migranal Nasal Spray);

• heart or blood pressure medication such as digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Nifedical, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;

• heart rhythm medicine such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), dronedarone (Multaq), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Procan, Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G), or sotalol (Betapace);

• HIV medicines such as nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase);

• medicine to prevent or treat nausea and vomiting such as dolasetron (Anzemet), droperidol (Inapsine), or ondansetron (Zofran);

• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril), haloperidol (Haldol), pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or ziprasidone (Geodon);

• migraine headache medicine such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet) or zolmitriptan (Zomig);

• narcotic medication such as methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine);

• a sedative or tranquilizer, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), or triazolam (Halcion); or

• seizure medicine such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin).

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zithromax.