What to Know Before Taking Zithromax

Zithromax also goes by Zmax and has the generic name of azithromycin in Australia. Zithromax is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It can be used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. This includes, but is not limited to, bacteria such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. 

What is Zithromax?

Do not take Zithromax if you have ever experienced jaundice or liver problems. Do not take Zithromax if you are allergic to azithromycin or similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin. Zithromax may not be safe for you if you have ever had: liver disease; kidney disease; myasthenia gravis; a heart rhythm disorder; low levels of potassium in your blood; or long QT syndrome (in you or a family member.) Please consult with your doctor if you have experienced any of those before taking Zithromax. L'efficacia di Zithromax nel trattamento della clamidia negli uomini e nelle donne

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, Zithromax will not harm your unborn baby. You should talk to your doctor about the risks if you do become pregnant. Whether or not Zithromax can be passed on to your unborn baby is unknown. Consult your doctor if you begin breast feeding. Do not give Zithromax to a child under 6 months old. 

How to Take Zithromax

Always take Zithromax exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all of the directions on the prescription label. The dose and length of Zithromax varies case by case. You can take Zithromax with or without food. Take Zithromax with water. If taking the liquid version of Zithromax, shake the oral suspension well before measuring a dose. Use the medical dosing syringe that has been provided by your pharmacist. 

How it's prescribed

Use the medicine exactly as described for the full prescribed length of time. Even if your symptoms improve, continue to take it, as your infection might not be completely cleared. Do not skip doses as it increases risk of further infection that will become resistant to antibiotics. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or common cold. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Correctly dispose of any unused liquid medicine after 10 days. If you miss a dose, take the miss dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Can you overdose on Zithromax

If you overdose on Zithromax, seek emergency medical attention or call the poison help line. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax. Antacids can make Zithromax less effective if taken at the same time. Do not use an anti-diarrhea medicine unless you are instructed by your doctor to do so. Avoid exposure of sunlight and avoid going in tanning beds. Zithromax could make you sunburn more easily. Make sure to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher when you are outdoors. 

Side Effects of Zithromax 

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Zithromax. Allergic reactions include but are not limited to: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face or throat; or a severe skin reaction; fever; sore throat; burning in your eyes; skin pain; red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. Seek medical treatment immediately if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash; fever; swollen glands; flu-like symptoms; muscle aches; severe weakness; unusual bruising; yellowing of skin or eyes. 

Call your doctor if

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody; fast or pounding heart beats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness; or liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice. Call your doctor immediately if your baby taking Zithromax becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing. Older adults are more likely to have side effects related to their heart. The most common side effects of Zithromax are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or headache.