How many days should I take Zithromax? Is it ok to take it for three days?
Question posted by jammy on 25 July 2009
Last updated on 25 July 2009 by suzanne66
Answers
You should take Zithromax for as long as your doctor has instructed you to take it for. Stopping treatment early may result in the bacterial infection returning. The length of time Zithromax is prescribed will depend on the type of infection being treated and the severity.
Recommended dosage for Zithromax
ADULTS
Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections
The usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams a day for 3 days.
Sinus Infection
The usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams once a day for 3 days.
Genital Ulcer Disease
The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 milligrams) one time only.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams) dose.
CHILDREN
Middle Ear Infection
For children aged 6 months and up, treatment may be given three ways. One option is a single dose of 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Another option is a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds given each day for 3 days. Zithromax can also be given over a period of 5 days, starting with a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds on the first day and continuing with daily doses of 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
Sinus Infection
For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Zithromax suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight given once daily for 3 days.
Pneumonia
For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Zithromax suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose the first day, followed by 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
Strep Throat and Tonsillitis
For children aged 2 years and up, the usual dose is 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 5 days.
Related topics
Further information
- Zithromax uses and safety info
- Zithromax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Zithromax (detailed)
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