Zithromax

Brand Name:Zithromax

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various infections caused by bacteria, including bronchitis; pneumonia; COPD, sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, skin, and throat.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin or any macrolide antibiotic or if you are taking terfenadine or astemizole. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • irregular heartbeat
  • problems with your liver or kidney
  • side effects to other similar antibiotics like clarithromycin or erythromycin

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • diarrhea
  • nausea, heartburn, vomiting
  • stomach pain

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include:

  • rash or allergic reaction (rare: seek medical attention if you experience hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face, throat, lips, eyes)
  • liver problems (rare: contact your doctor if you experience unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact and may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • warfarin - may increase the amount of warfarin in the blood and increase your chances of bleeding; your doctor may order more INR blood tests.
  • cyclosporine - may see an increase in the amount of cyclosporine in your blood
  • digoxin - may see an increase in the amount of digoxin in your blood and increase your chances for side effects
  • amiodarone, quinidine, sotalol, propafenone, procainamide, thioridazine, chlorpromazine - may increase your chances of having heart rhythm problems
  • aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids - If need to use antacids, take them at least two hours before or after you take this antibiotic.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Children: May take this drug as prescribed. Infants may have increased sensitivity to side effects.

Seniors: May take this drug as prescribed. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Pregnant women: Can be used, but women should talk to their doctor before taking this drug.

Women who are nursing: Can be used but women should talk to their doctor before taking.

People who drive or operate machinery: No known problems.

Overdose: If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Even if you feel better, take azithromycin until you finish the prescription. This drug will continue to work after you finish your prescription.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and then resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom); always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: You can take this medication with or without food.