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Is Zithromax a penicillin?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 14, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Zithromax is not a penicillin it is a type of antibiotic called a macrolide. Macrolides kill bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis and blocking the assembly of the 50S ribosomal subunit, which is a structure in a cell that helps coordinate protein synthesis. Macrolides are unrelated to penicillin and are safe to use in people who are allergic to penicillin.

Zithromax is an antibiotic that may be used to treat infections caused by susceptible bacteria such as Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and Chlamydia trachomatis.

References
  • Zithromax (azithromycin dihydrate) Updated 04/2020. Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc https://www.drugs.com/pro/zithromax.html

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There are no documented interactions between Zithromax and alcohol so you could drink a small amount of alcohol (one or two glasses) if you wanted to. But drinking larger quantities of alcohol is not recommended generally while you are fighting an infection because it may hinder the body’s ability to fight the infection, lead to dehydration, and interrupt sleep. Drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking Zithromax may also worsen common side effects of Zithromax such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, fatigue, and headache. Continue reading

Zithromax is not available over the counter, it is a prescription medicine that must be prescribed by a doctor. Continue reading

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