Zithromax
(
azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic useful in
treating a vast number of bacterial infections. It is one of the
most versatile and widely-used antibiotics on the planet, safe for
use in both adults and children.
All macrolide antibiotics work by interfering with the ability of
certain types of bacteria to make the proteins needed to grow and
thrive. With the bacteria unable to flourish the body is able to
fight off the infection.
Zithromax Uses:
Zithromax is useful in treating a myriad of bacterial infections,
ranging from mild to severe, in patients of any age:
- Middle ear infections
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Sinus infections/sinusitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pneumonia
- Typhoid
- Lyme Disease
- Malaria
- Bacterial infections in infants and immocompromised
patients
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and genital
ulcers
- Prevention of infection before dental or medical
procedures
- Many other bacterial infections
Naturally dosage strength and treatment length will depend on the
condition being treated. Zithromax stays in the body longer than
most antibiotics, so it doesn't need to be taken as frequently.
Usually treatment consists of 1 tablet a day for 1 to 6 days.
Zithromax tablets come in 250 mg or 500 mg; as a general rule, but
with exceptions of course, when 250 mg a day are prescribed
treatment will last for 6 days, with 500 mg treatment generally
lasts for 3 days. This manner of prescribing is so common that 250
mg tablets are sold in packs of 6 and 500 mg tablets in packs of
3.
Dosage strengths will be smaller in young children. A physician can
determine the optimal dose; do not try to guess. Too much
Zithromax, or any antibiotic, can lead to severe diarrhea and other
complications.
Tablets may be taken with or without food; those patients who
experience stomach upset when taking Zithromax may benefit from
eating when taking a tablet. A full glass of water with each dose
will help with digestion and absorption.
Warnings:
Zithromax should be taken with caution in patients who have:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
Otherwise healthy patients tolerate this medication very well,
however there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure treatment
goes smoothly:
- Do not take antacids within 2 hours before or after taking
Zithromax.
- Continue taking all prescribed tablets even if symptoms
improve; quitting treatment early contributes to resistant
bacteria.
- Zithromax is an antibiotic; it will not treat conditions caused
by viruses, such as the flu.
- Though not believed to be harmful to unborn or nursing babies,
a doctor should be consulted before use in pregnant or nursing
mothers.
- Use of this medication may reduce the effectiveness of oral
contraceptives; other forms of protection should be used.
Certain other prescription medications may interfere with the
antibiotic's effectiveness. A doctor or pharmacist can point out
any potentially bad interactions.
Side Effects:
Like most antibiotics, Zithromax produces very few side effects,
and most are mild. The most common adverse reaction, experienced by
about 5% of patients, is diarrhea. Others include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
The above side effects are not cause for concern unless very severe
or persistent.
Very rarely some patients are allergic to the ingredients in
Zithromax. Symptoms include rash or hives, swelling of the face,
tongue or throat, and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction
calls for immediate medical care.
Ingredients:
Active ingredient:
azithromycin
Inactive ingredients:
lactose, magnesium stearate, dibasic
calcium phosphate anhydrous, triacetin, sodium lauryl sulfate,
pregelatinized starch, titanium dioxide, sodium croscarmellose,
hypromellose