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