Zithromax and its uses

Zithromax is prescribed for the treatment of respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

In children, it is prescribed for treating middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

The Recommended way to use Zithromax

The best way to use any medication is as recommended by your health care provider. But if you have any doubts, you can always follow the instructions listed in the patient information booklet that accompanies the pack.

You may take it with or without food to avoid an upset stomach.

We recommend that you take it an hour before a meal or two hours.

Do not use antacids containing aluminum or magnesium while you are using zithromax.

Zithromax needs to be swallowed whole. Taking it with a full glass of water may reduce the discomfort some people experience while swallowing medication.

It should not be chewed or broken or crushed unless your doctor has permitted it.

A medication may take up to a few weeks to take effect in your body. You may experience symptomatic relief intermittently. But you must not discontinue the dosage schedule nor alter it without consulting your physician.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Almost 80% of people tend to forget taking their medication on time. Hence, one of the best ways of avoiding a missed dose is to make a written note of the dosage timings or set reminders in your cellular phone.

But, if you still miss out on a dose, then you can take it as soon as you remember and then adjust the next dosage accordingly. On the other hand, you can also choose to skip the missed dose and continue normally from the next dosage schedule onwards.

You must never take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose. It may have adverse effects.

Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding missed doses.

How and where should I store Zithromax?

We recommend you do not store the medications in a place exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight. Medications should generally be stored between 68 and 77 degrees F. Keep it in a safe place that is beyond the reach of children and pets.

Temporary storage in temperatures below room temperature may be permitted for some drugs. Please check the medicine label for more details.

What if I overdose on Zithromax?

If you think that you have exceeded the permitted dosage levels, then seek emergency medical care.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Before commencing treatment with any new medication, you must discuss your complete medical history with your health care provider. You must include details about any diseases, allergic reactions that you have to food items as well as medications.

Discuss a complete list of health supplements, over the counter medications, vitamins, herbal pills that you are taking.

This information helps your health care provider analyze your condition and then suggest an apt dosage for you.

Mention clearly to your doctor if any of the following apply to you.

If you have liver or kidney problems or abnormal heart rhythms


Is there any reason to avoid Zithromax?

Yes, you must avoid using Zithromax if you are allergic to any ingredient in it. Other than this, usage of Zithromax is restricted if you any of the following applies to you.

You are allergic to other macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), or to ketolide antibiotics (eg, telithromycin)
You are taking pimozide

Is drinking alcohol permitted while using Zithromax?

Zithromax may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people when they first start to use it. Alcohol usage will only aggravate these effects. Hence, alcohol and related beverages must be avoided while using Zithromax.

Tasks that require an alert mind should be avoided while you are using Zithromax.

If you notice any of these signs, then sit down or lie down immediately.

Are there any other important things I must know before using Zithromax?

Zithromax is an antibiotic medication that can only be used to successfully treat bacterial infections in the body. It is completely ineffective if used to cure viral infections like the common cold and flu.

Long term and unmonitored treatment with Zithromax may lead to a reinfection. Your dosage may be changed to cure it. So contact your doctor if you notice signs of a reinfection.

Antibiotics are most effective when a constant level of Zithromax is maintained in the blood. So you must complete the dosage schedule and stick to it regularly. Or else, it may not clear up the infection completely.

Mild diarrhea is a common side effect of Zithromax especially during the early stages of treatment. If you notice watery and bloody stool, then stop using Zithromax and contact your health care provider immediately.

Does Zithromax interact with other medications?

Yes. Certain medications are known to cause an interaction with Zithromax leading to adverse side effects.

These medications include:

Rifampin

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin

Theophylline

Pregnancy

If you are a women who is pregnant already or are planning to become pregnant, then contact your health care provider and discuss the potential risks to the baby.

It is not clear whether Zithromax is found in breast milk. It may be excreted in the breast milk and can pass on to the baby. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side Effects

Some common but mild side effects are usually seen when starting treatment with any new medication including Zithromax. But these are temporary and fade away as the body gets used to the medication. These include severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; dark red, raised areas of the skin; hearing loss; pounding in the chest; ringing in the ears; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

If these side effects start bothering you, then seek medical attention.

Although rare, Zithromax may also cause some potentially dangerous side effects like Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; upset stomach; vomiting

These should be reported immediately to your health care provider.