What is Zithromax: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

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

• 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

  • Myasthenia gravis

  • 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

• 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.