Zithromax Z-Pak - can Tums (antacids) be taken with Z-Pak?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 8, 2025.
Yes you can take Zithromax with Tums as it contains calcium carbonate. Ideally you would separate the doses by 2 hours.
However, do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.
Tums contains calcium carbonate.
Read next
Is Zithromax a penicillin?
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. Continue reading
Can I drink alcohol while taking Zithromax?
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
Is Zithromax available over the counter?
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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