Zithromax Drug Information | Usage | Interactions and Side Effects
Zithromax (Azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Generic Zithromax is one of the world’s most commonly prescribed antibiotics due to its long-lasting effects.
Generic Zithromax may also marketed as: Azenil, Azithromycin, Hemomycin, Zmax.
*Zithromax® is a registered trademark of Pfizer.
Uses
Generic Zithromax (azithromycin) belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Generic Zithromax fights bacteria in the body. Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
How to take
Take Generic Zithromax tablets orally. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Generic Zithromax tablets can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Generic Zithromax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Generic Zithromax and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeats;
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
severe skin reaction — fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
Less serious Generic Zithromax side effects may include:
mild diarrhea, vomiting, constipation;
stomach pain or upset;
dizziness, tired feeling, mild headache;
nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);
vaginal itching or discharge;
mild rash or itching;
ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or
decreased sense of taste or smell.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Precautions
Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Generic Zithromax. This includes Acid Gone, Aldroxicon, Alternagel, Di-Gel, Gaviscon, Gelusil, Genaton, Maalox, Maldroxal, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Mylagen, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Rulox, and others. These antacids can make Generic Zithromax less effective when taken at the same time.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Zithromax can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Drug interactions
Many drugs can interact with Generic Zithromax. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
arsenic trioxide (Trisenox);
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune);
pimozide (Orap);
tacrolimus (Prograf);
theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron);
warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam);
an antidepressant such as amitriptylline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol), clomipramine (Anafranil), or desipramine (Norpramin);
anti-malaria medications such as chloroquine (Aralen) or mefloquine (Lariam);
cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or simvastatin (Zocor)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If its almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 12 hours between doses.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.