Zithromax

azithromycin (a ZITH roe MYE sin)

Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax

What is it used for?

• Bacterial infection of the lungs and airways (chest or lower respiratory tract infection, eg pneumonia, bronchitis).
• Bacterial infections of the nasal passages, sinuses or throat (upper respiratory tract infection, eg sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis).
• Bacterial infections of the middle ear (otitis media).
• Bacterial infections of the skin or soft tissue.
• Chlamydia.
• Mild or moderate typhoid due to multiple-antibacterial-resistant organisms (unlicensed use).

How should I use this medication?

The recommended adult dose of azithromycin for treatment of lung and skin infections is two 250 mg tablets taken on the first day followed by one 250 mg tablet taken at the same time each day for 4 more days. The usual dose for prevention of mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in persons with HIV infection is 1,200 mg taken once weekly.

The children's dose of azithromycin (liquid suspension) is based on body weight. When used to treat otitis media (middle ear infection) in children, a course of treatment shorter than 5 days may be used (either 3 days or 1 day, depending on the dose used).

Doses of azithromycin for treatment of other conditions vary according to the condition being treated.

The medication may be taken with or without food. Taking the medication with food may help to avoid stomach upset.

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Azithromycin belongs to the family of medications known as macrolide antibiotics. It is used to treat certain types of infections that are caused by bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat ear infections (e.g., otitis media), throat infections, lung infections (e.g., pneumonia), and skin infections. It can also be used to prevent mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections in people with HIV infection.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warning!

• Zithromax capsules should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after food. Zithromax suspension can be taken with food.
• Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it is important that you finish the prescribed course of this antibiotic medicine, even if you feel better or it seems the infection has cleared up. Stopping the course early increases the chance that the infection will come back and that the bacteria will grow resistant to the antibiotic.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics can sometimes cause inflammation of the bowel (colitis). For this reason, if you get diarrhoea that becomes severe or persistent or contains blood or mucus, either during or after taking this medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.
• All antibiotics can sometimes result in overgrowth of organisms that are not susceptible to the antibiotic, in particular fungi. You should let your doctor know if you think you have developed any other infections while you are taking this medicine, so that they can be treated appropriately.