Zithromax is a prescription medication used to treat many types of infections. It’s prescribed for such conditions as:

• Bacterial pneumonia;
• Bacteremia;
• Urinary tract infections;
• Gonorrhea;
• Ear infections;
• Acute otitis;
• Sinusitis.

This antibiotic belongs to a group of drugs called macrolides and it’s relatively safe for most people when taken correctly. However, there are some risks associated with taking Zithromax including side effects like diarrhea or rash.

Zithromax is a drug used to treat bacterial infections. It is classified as a first-generation antibiotic and usually comes in the form of a tablet or capsule. Zithromax can be prescribed as a single dose therapy, but most patients need it to be taken continuously over weeks or even months to help prevent infection. The medication works by destroying bacteria or specifically inhibiting certain enzymes that bacteria produce. It can cause common diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

FAQs of Zithromax

Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, and more. Find out more about Zithromax with our FAQs!

How does this medication work?

This medication is an antibiotic. It kills bacteria by interfering with their ability to make cell walls. This causes them to burst and die. Zithromax also stops the growth of these bacteria in your body so they can’t multiply any further.

Can I take Zithromax with food?

Different people have different opinions on whether or not it’s important to eat while taking a certain medication. However, it won’t have any effect on the potency of your antibiotic. Taking your medication with food probably won’t make you nauseous, but it can cause upset stomach and other problems.

What are side effects?

Common side effects include tiredness, cramping and pain in joints, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. These usually decrease or go away after a few days or weeks of treatment.

Can I take Zithromax with other medications?

Yes. However, you should tell your doctor if you’re taking any regular medication. And make sure to check with your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications while you’re on Zithromax.

How much Zithromax should I take? How often? Should I take it every day or every few days?

Zithromax usually needs to be taken for 7 to 10 days in order to treat an infection. Your doctor can help you figure out the right dose for you and how often to take it. It’s recommended to take Zithromax every day until you finish the full course of treatment. If you start feeling better early on, continue taking it for another 7 to 10 days.

If I’m taking Zithromax for an infection, how long will it last?

The effects will last longer if you take Zithromax with food. The medicine can also be more effective if it’s taken regularly and at the proper dosage during and between taking antibiotics. Usually, the patients start experiencing improvements in a couple of days after the start of treatment.

Does Zithromax work for all types of infections?

Zithromax only treats bacterial infections. Bacterial diseases are those caused by germs, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, or an ear infection. Zithromax doesn’t treat viral infections, such as colds and flu. Nor does it treat fungal infections.

What if I miss a dose of Zithromax?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember it. Don’t take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Doing so can lead to harmful side effects.

How long can I take Zithromax for?

Zithromax should only be taken for 10 days or less. Never exceed the dose or duration of your prescription without consulting your doctor. If the infection doesn’t go away, you may need a different antibiotic.

Will Zithromax interact with other medications?

Yes. The following medications can interact with Zithromax (azithromycin): Digoxin, probenecid, phenytoin and rifampin. Make sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these drugs before starting treatment with Zithromax.

Side Effects of Zithromax

The most common side effects are nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Other potential side effects include increased urination and joint pain. If you take certain other medications or have a medical condition, your doctor may prescribe another medication. Talk to your doctor before taking Zithromax with any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.

If you are experiencing any of the following side effects, please stop taking this drug and seek medical attention immediately. The following side effects can become serious if left untreated.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions such as hives or swelling in the mouth, face, or throat are mild and usually go away without treatment. An allergic reaction is rare but severe enough to warrant medical attention. Symptoms include difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever and chills, loss of appetite and nausea, stomach pain, sweating, and hives on the skin. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Zithromax ask your pharmacist for a new prescription.

Eye Problems

If you experience a change in your vision, including blurred vision and redness or pain in your eyes, notify a doctor as soon as possible. If you are unable to reach the doctor within 24 hours, seek emergency medical attention.

Gastrointestinal Problems

The symptoms of nausea and/or vomiting may go away after several days of taking Zithromax. If this side effect persists, contact a doctor immediately. You may also develop a white coating on the tongue or throat (thrush), which is most commonly caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. It may also be caused by an allergic reaction to Zithromax.

Liver Problems

Like other forms of antibiotics, Zithromax can cause a severe lack of energy (fatigue) and fever. If you experience these symptoms and are over the age of 60 years, notify your doctor immediately. It may be an indication that your liver is damaged by this antibiotic. In such cases, you will have to alter your treatment schedule or change to a different antibiotic that is as effective as Zithromax but less likely to cause liver damage.

Skin Rash

If you develop a skin rash after taking Zithromax this product should be discontinued immediately and your doctor should be notified immediately.

Important!

You need to see your doctor if you’re taking Zithromax and have any of the following:

• Fever that persists for more than three days;
• Sore throat, which does not go away with treatment;
• Pain in your mouth or throat that does not go away with antibiotics;
• Cough, chest congestion or shortness of breath;
• Skin rash, itching or lumpiness that lasts more than a week;
• Nausea/vomiting;
• Unusual bleeding or bruising;
• Redness, pain, swelling or lumps that do not go away;
• Unusual tiredness (much more than normal for your age).

These are serious side effects. So if you have any of these symptoms, you need to go to your doctor immediately. If the problem continues, Zithromax should be stopped and replaced with another antibiotic.

Zithromax for Pregnant Women

If you and your partner are trying to conceive or if you have just learned that you’re pregnant, one of the most important things that you may need is a prescription for Zithromax for pregnant women. Zithromax works by decreasing the chances of infection from bacteria and viruses, as well as preventing scarring. This medication is an antibiotic used to prevent bacterial and viral infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It can also be used to treat acute infections due to bacterial infection or for severe lung infections, but this medication should not be used to treat viral infections.

Zithromax for pregnant women is available in a dose strength of 250 mg and an extended-release dose strength of 500 mg. Doses are usually taken two times a day. The primary benefit of taking Zithromax for pregnant women is that it has few side effects when given during pregnancy.

The most common side effects of Zithromax for pregnant women are nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. These side effects occur at the same rate whether or not the medication is taken during pregnancy. Other side effects that may occur include decreased heart rates in babies and light-headedness, headaches and allergic skin reactions.

Zithromax is considered safe to take during pregnancy but it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs or medications because they can affect how Zithromax works while you’re pregnant.

Bottom Line

Zithromax is a prescription drug that’s used to treat many bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Zithromax can be helpful for people who have asthma and emphysema because it prevents the growth of bacteria in your lungs.

It’s crucial that you talk to your doctor before you take Zithromax if you’re allergic to penicillin or any other antibiotics, taking anticoagulants, having low levels of calcium in your blood, or having a history of seizures. If these conditions apply to you, talk with your doctor about what other types of antibiotics might be safe for you to take.