Zithromax

Drug Name - Zithromax (Azithromycin)

Zithromax (Azithromycin) is an antibiotic that is indicated in the treatment of many infections of bacterial origin.

Indications for use

Zithromax is indicated for use in the treatment of several varieties of bacterial infections like bronchitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, pneumonia and several sexually transmitted infections.

Instructions for Use

Zithromax is orally administered and is available in tablet, capsule and the liquid forms. The recommended dosage is once daily for a period of 2-5 days. It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions and take Zithromax exactly as instructed without altering the dosage. If liquid is being used, it is essential to shake the bottle so that the medication gets mixed up properly prior to use. While taking capsules or tablets, it should be consumed with an entire cup of water. Do not stop the intake of Zithromax in between the therapy even if you are beginning to feel better. Consult the doctor prior to ceasing therapy. It is advisable to consume the liquid medication about one hour prior to or 2 hours after food is consumed but food has no bearing on the absorption of tablet or the capsule form. But, if stomach upsets are experienced, it is best to take the medication along with food.

Drug Category and Mechanism of Action

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic of semi-synthetic type and is similar to other antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin. It is helpful in fighting infections from a wide variety of bacterial origin such as Hemophilus influenzae, mycobacterium avium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, etc. The unique feature of this drug is that it remains viable for a longer duration within the body thereby providing the convenience of a once daily dose. They have the ability to fight the infection in a shorter duration thereby facilitating a shorter course of therapy to ward off the infection.

Azithromycin works by interfering with the growth of the bacteria by preventing them from creating proteins. But, as there are differences in the method in which proteins are created in humans and bacteria, the antibiotic does not cause any trouble to the protein formation in humans.

If You Miss a Dose

In case you forget to take a dose, consume it as once you recollect that you missed a dose. In case the time when you remember is close to the next scheduled dose, avoid taking the dose you have missed and take the tablet only at the next scheduled time. Do not compensate for the missed dose by taking extra dose of medicine.

Storing Instructions

The tablets are best stored at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). The suspension is stored in the temperature range of 5-30 degrees C (41-86 degrees F) and can be stored for only 10 days after which it has to be discarded. The suspension is stored in an oversized bottle so that it allows for adequate shaking prior to use. The bottle should remain tightly closed at all times.

Safety Information

Inform the doctor if you have a previous medical history of liver problems as the doctor might take a decision on whether or not to prescribe the drug or might prescribe a much lesser dose than usual along with providing close monitoring during therapy. The FDA pregnancy categorization of the drug is B which means that the drug does not cause any trouble to the fetus. But, inform your doctor of your pregnancy if you are being prescribed the medication. The passage of Zithromax in breast milk is not known. So, if you are a nursing mother, speak with the doctor prior to taking the medication.

Probable Adverse Effects

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any severe adverse effects such as sever allergic reactions or symptoms of liver damage such as severe fatigue, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe abdominal discomfort or nausea.

Some of the minor side effects that commonly occur include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rash, dizziness, higher sensitivity to bright light, fatigue, yeast infections of vagina and headache. If these side effects are experienced, continue intake of the medication but ensure you keep the doctor informed of the same. There may be some other adverse effects also experienced which are not listed in here. Be sure to inform your doctor of any persistent side effects at the earliest.