What is Zithromax? Uses, warnings & side effects
Zithromax is a familiar brand-name antibiotic used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections. Its active ingredient and generic version is azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic that prevents bacteria from making the proteins they need to survive. Most people will take tablets once a day for a few days, but children and people who can’t swallow tablets can take a liquid version. In some cases, treatment could start with intravenous injections.
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Zithromax overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zithromax, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zithromax IV
Generic Names:
Azithromycin
Uses:
Treats bacterial infections.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antibiotic, macrolide antibiotic
Forms:
Tablet, oral suspension (liquid), injection
How it’s taken:
By mouth or intravenous injection
What is Zithromax used for?
Healthcare professionals use Zithromax to treat mild to moderate bacterial infections including bacterial pneumonia, throat or tonsil infections, sinus infections, middle ear infections, skin infections, lung infections, genital ulcers, or genital tract infections.
What form(s) does Zithromax come in?
Tablet
250 mg
500 mg
600 mg
Oral suspension (liquid)
100 mg/5 mL
200 mg/5 mL
Packets for oral suspension
1 g/packet
Injection
500 mg/vial
What are common Zithromax dosages?
For community-acquired pneumonia:
In adults: 500 mg tablet or IV injection on the first day followed by 250 mg per day for four days
In children: 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg once daily for the next four days
For throat infections or tonsillitis:
In adults: 500 mg dose on the first day followed by 250 mg once daily for four days
In children: 12 mg/kg once daily for five days
For bacterial sinusitis:
In adults: 500 mg once daily for three days
In children: 10 mg/kg once daily for three days
For ear infections in children: 30 mg/kg single dose OR 10 mg/kg once daily for three days OR 10 mg/kg as a single dose on the first day followed by 5 mg/kg once daily for the next four days
For skin infections in adults: 500 mg dose on the first day followed by 250 mg taken once per day for four days
For bacterial exacerbations of COPD in adults: 500 mg dose on the first day followed by 250 mg taken once per day for four days OR 500 mg taken once daily for three days
For mycobacterium lung infection (MAC disease) in adults:
Treatment: 600 mg taken once per day
Prevention: 1200 mg taken once weekly
For nongonorrheal infections of the cervix or urethra in adults: 1 gram single dose
For gonorrhea infections of the urethra or cervix in adults: 2 gram single dose
For genital ulcers (chancroid) or chlamydia in adults: 1 gram single dose
For pelvic inflammatory disease: 500 mg IV injection administered once per day for one to two days followed by 250 mg taken by mouth once per day for five to six days
Zithromax images - What does Zithromax look like?
Zithromax
15ml of 100mg/5ml bottleZithromax
15ml of 200mg/5ml bottleZithromax
2 tablets bottleZithromax
22.5ml of 200mg/5ml bottleZithromax
30ml of 200mg/5ml bottleZithromax
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6 tablets bottleZithromax
1gm packetZithromax
500mg solution reconstitutedZithromax
250mg tabletZithromax
500mg tabletZithromax
600mg tablet
How to take Zithromax
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine.
How to take azithromycin tablets:
Zithromax tablets can be taken with or without food.
If doses are causing gastrointestinal problems, try taking doses with food.
Swallow the tablet whole.
Store Zithromax tablets at room temperature.
How to take Zithromax Tri-Paks or Z-Paks:
Most people will use a Zithromax tablet pack to take their daily tablets.
Tri-Paks and Z-Paks are packaged to deliver the correct doses for a three-day or five-day course of treatment.
Take the tablets in order. The first tablets are high doses and the later tablets are lower doses.
The blister pack identifies each tablet by the day it should be taken.
Do not take tablets out of the blister pack until you’re ready to take the tablet.
You can push the tablet through the paper to remove a tablet.
Store Zithromax tablet packs at room temperature.
How to take azithromycin oral suspension:
Zithromax oral suspension can be taken with or without food.
Shake the bottle well before measuring a dose.
Use a calibrated oral syringe, dosing cup, or calibrated spoon to measure a dose. Do not use kitchen or table utensils to measure out a dose.
Store Zithromax oral suspension at room temperature.
How to take azithromycin packets for oral suspension:
Take a single one-packet dose unless the doctor tells you otherwise.
Open the packet and pour all the powder into a glass.
Add 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water and mix.
Immediately drink the mixture.
Add 2 more ounces of water into the same glass and mix.
Drink the remaining mixture.
Store unopened azithromycin packets at room temperature.
What to do if you miss a dose of Zithromax
Do not miss doses.
Ask the prescriber or pharmacist what to do if a dose is missed.
It is likely a healthcare professional will advise you to take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.
However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose on time.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you are prescribed one dose of Zithromax, it can be taken at any time. Try not to wait too long.
Zithromax contraindications - Who shouldn't take Zithromax?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to:
Azithromycin
Other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin
Similar antibiotics called ketolides such as telithromycin
Azithromycin is also contraindicated in any person who has had liver problems such as jaundice when taking azithromycin.
Zithromax warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor may request follow-up visits or blood tests. Keep all appointments.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:
Kidney problems
Liver problems
Abnormal heart rhythms, especially a condition called QT prolongation
Pneumonia
Cystic fibrosis
Any bacterial infection of the blood
A hospital-acquired infection
Weakened immune system
Low potassium
Azithromycin can cause serious problems including:
Liver damage
Heart rhythm abnormalities
Swollen pancreas
Worsening of myasthenia gravis
This medicine can cause diarrhea for up to two months or more after treatment has stopped. Call a doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, bloody, or does not stop. Do not take an antidiarrheal medicine until you have consulted your doctor.
This medicine can cause digestive system blockage in newborns. Symptoms include vomiting and irritability when feeding.
Zithromax interactions & what to avoid when taking Zithromax
Before taking Zithromax, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
To avoid potentially significant drug interactions, make sure the prescriber knows if you’re taking:
Blood thinners
Heart rhythm drugs
Migraine medications called ergots
Cyclosporine, colchicine, digoxin, nelfinavir, phenytoin, pimozide, thioridazine
Avoid alcohol when taking azithromycin.
Do not take an antacid containing aluminum or magnesium when taking a Zithromax dose.
Find out more about azithromycin interactions to avoid, here.
Zithromax side effects - How does Zithromax make you feel?
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Severe diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever
Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain
Palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness
Vision changes or other eye problems
Trouble breathing
Feeling irritable or vomiting after feeding (in very young babies)
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Mild diarrhea
Nausea
Abdominal pain
Injection site reactions such as burning, pain, or irritation (injection)
Find more detailed information about azithromycin side effects, here.
Sources:
Zithromax azithromycin dihydrate tablets/powder for suspension prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
Zithromax azithromycin dihydrate tablets/powder for suspension prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
Zithromax azithromycin dihydrate injection prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
Zithromax drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
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