Zithromax is classified in the group of medications called macrolide antibiotic medications. Zithromax, or azithromycin, is typically used to fight bacterial infections like ear infections, some sexually transmitted diseases, bronchitis, tonsillitis, some skin infections, and pneumonia.

Zithromax Directions

Be sure to follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist before and during taking Zithromax. If you are concerned, or have any questions about how you should take Zithromax, be sure that you consult your doctor. You may take Zithromax with, or without food, but you should take is exactly as it is prescribed. While you are taking this medication, you shouldn't take any aluminum or magnesium containing antacids. It is possible that when taking Zithromax on a long-term basis, that a secondary infection may occur. If this happens, your doctor may want you to discontinue using Zithromax and start taking another antibiotic. You must take your entire prescription of Zithromax, otherwise the complete destruction of all bacteria may not occur, and your infection may return. As is the case with many antibiotics, sensitivity to sunlight may occur. It's possible that Zithromax may cause some drowsiness or dizziness, or so you should exercise caution when performing activities that require your coordination and concentration. You shouldn't stop taking your prescription of Zithromax without first consulting your doctor. Do not take Zithromax any other way except for how it prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Zithromax Side Effects

As with any medication, side effects can occur. Many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Severe: Serious allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; bloody stools; chest pain; dark red raised areas of skin. Adults: Pounding in the chest. Children: Yellowing of the skin or eyes. Common: Adults: Diarrhea/loose stools; nausea; stomach pain. Children: Diarrhea/loose stools; stomach pain; vomiting; nausea; headache. Other: Adults: Indigestion; gas; vomiting; vaginal infection; dizziness; headache; feeling of a whirling motion; drowsiness; tiredness; itching; sensitivity to sunlight. Children: Chest pain; indigestion; constipation; loss of appetite; gas; oral infection; chills; dizziness; agitation; nervousness; sleeplessness; fever; tiredness; fungal infection; general body discomfort; pain; increased cough; sore throat; runny nose; itching; sweating; inflammation of the eye; dry, itchy skin.

Zithromax Precautions

If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning on becoming pregnant, you should tell your doctor before you begin using Zithromax. If you have any problems with liver function, are taking any other prescription medications, herbal supplements, or other over the counter medicines you should also make your health care provider aware before taking this medication.

Missed Dose of Zithromax

If you miss one of your doses of Zithromax, you should take that dose as soon as you remember, but do not take it if it is almost time for your next dose of this antibiotic. If you are concerned about taking a missed dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Zithromax - Active on Nasty Bacteria!

Zithromax is part of the antibiotic group commonly known as macrolides, being an efficient solution for bacterial infections. The medication is generally indicated for infections of the respiratory system, those affecting the structure of the skin and auricular bacterial invasion. Zithromax is also administered in patients diagnosed with STD (sexually transmitted disease).

Other indications of Zithromax include:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - acute episode, reactivation of bacterial infection, caused by haemophilus influenza or streptococcus pneumoniae;
• bacterial sinusitis - caused by the same microorganisms;
• community acquired pneumonia - bacterial infection with Chlamydia or haemophilus influenza;
• pharyngitis or tonsil inflammation - Streptococcus pyogenes.

If you intend to follow a treatment with Zithromax, you should first seek specialized medical advice. The antibiotic is contraindicated to those who had a previous allergic reaction, including to similar medication such as erythromycin or clarithromycin. Zithromax can interact with a wide variety of drugs and thus it is very important to notify your doctor of all the medication you are currently taking. That includes prescription drugs but also any vitamins or herbal supplements.

The following medication is possible to interfere with Zithromax's mechanism of action:

• protease inhibitors used for treating HIV infection - Viracept;
• digitalis preparation for cardiac arrhythmia - digoxin;
• carbamazepine, cyclosporine;
• medication used to lower cholesterol levels;
• calcium channel blockers;
• anticoagulants - treatment of thrombus, especially warfarin;
• other antibiotics.

Zithromax must be taken for the entire period of time for which it was prescribed. You must not stop the treatment on your own accord, not even if you notice signs of improvement. The antibiotic is highly efficient when taken as prescribed, at regular intervals. If you do not respect the indications of the doctor and stop the treatment before time, bacteria will not be eliminated from your body and it will become much stronger, resisting to the medication.

If you have the time, you can always go online and search for additional information on the subject. You will discover that Zithromax is not recommended to be taken at the same time with medication that contains metals, including aluminum, magnesium or zinc. This indication is particularly valid for those who have been diagnosed with gastric hyperacidity and take antacids on a daily basis. The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor about all the indications of the treatment. You will have to let him/her know if you suffer from any disease, including something that affects the heart, the liver of the kidneys. Certain medical conditions, such as heart arrhythmia or long QT syndrome might require specific dosage adjustment and additional laboratory tests to be performed.

Patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, nocosomial pneumonia or those who are suspected of mental illness or severe bacteremia, are not recommended to follow a treatment with Zithromax. For them, oral therapy might do more harm than good.

Zithromax is not contraindicated for pregnant women but they are advised to contact their doctor and discuss about taking this treatment. That is also valid if you are breast-feeding as studies regarding Zithromax and human milk were found to be inconclusive. Each tablet or capsule of this antibiotic should be taken with a full glass of water. When it comes to capsules, these are usually indicated to be taken without food, if possible with one hour before eating and two hours after). Zithromax is also available as oral suspension, to be taken with or without food.

The tablets available for oral use are film-coated and of a capsular shape. They contain 250 or 500 mg of active substance, meaning azithromycin. As it was already said, Zithromax is also available as oral suspension, with a dosage of 300, 600, 900 and 1000 mg azithromycin dihydrate per bottle. When prepared, 5 ml of suspension contains either 100 or 200 mg of azithromycin.

When taken in high doses, Zithromax can lead to overdose, a situation requiring immediate medical attention. The following symptoms can indicate a dose too heavily of Zithromax: nausea, vomiting, frequent bowel movements and extreme stomach pain. Patients have also experienced allergic reactions, including skin rashes and urticaria, difficult breathing and swelling in the face. Life-threatening anaphylactic reactions include swelling of the throat associated with angioedema. Those who are allergic to Zithromax should benefit from emergency medical assistance, the drug being removed from the system as quickly as possible.

There are also serious side-effects likely to appear when follows a treatment with Zithromax. These may include: diarrhea (watery or accompanied by blood), pain in the chest associated with palpitations, irregular pulse, anorexia, dark coloration of urine and icterus. Vertigo, headaches and lightheadedness are possible to appear.