What is Zithromax (Azithromycin)?
Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body.Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.Azithromycin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Brand Name: Zithromax
Generic Name: Azithromycin
Manufacture By: Cipla. (Cipla manufacturing strengths have established it as a producer of world-class generics, branded generics and a major supplier of its range of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients World-Wide).
Zithromax is available as 250 mg and 500 mg tablet form.
Shoppillrx the Best Online Pharmacy Drug store supplies only top-quality generic drugs that are exact equivalent of the brand name drugs.
Prescription Required: No
Why is Zithromax prescribed?
Zithromax is an antibiotic related to erythromycin. It is prescribed for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men. In children, Zithromax is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.
Mechanism of Action: Azithromycin acts by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and, thus, interfering with microbial protein synthesis. Nucleic acid synthesis is not affected.
Azithromycin concentrates in phagocytes and fibroblasts as demonstrated by in vitro incubation techniques. Using such methodology, the ratio of intracellular to extracellular concentration was >30 after one hour incubation. In vivo studies suggest that concentration in phagocytes may contribute to drug distribution to inflamed tissues.
Zithromax recommended dosage: Adult : Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections the usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams a day for 3 days.
Sinus Infection: The usual dose of Zithromax is 500 milligrams once a day for 3 days.
Genital Ulcer Disease: The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 milligrams) one time only.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams) dose.
Drug interaction with Zithromax?
Many drugs can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor if you are using: digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); phenytoin (Dilantin); pimozide (Orap); theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair, Theochron); warfarin (Coumadin); another antibiotic, especially clarithromycin (Biaxin) or erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S, Ery-Tab); a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Cartia XT, Diltiazem, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), nimodipine (Nimotop), verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS); cholesterol-lowering medicines such as lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), or cerivastatin (Baycol);
HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), saquinavir (Invirase); or a sedative such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), midazolam (Versed), triazolam (Halcion).
There are many other medicines that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
What side effects may occur?
More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea or loose stools, nausea or vomiting.
The single large dose of Zithromax that is prescribed to treat sexually transmitted infection of the cervix or urinary tract is more likely to cause stomach and bowel side effects than the smaller doses prescribed for a skin or respiratory tract infection.
Special warnings about Zithromax
If you develop diarrhea, check with your doctor immediately. Like certain other antibiotics, Zithromax may cause a potentially life-threatening form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis may clear up spontaneously when the drug is stopped; if it doesn't, hospital treatment may be required. If you have a liver problem, your doctor should monitor you very carefully while you are taking Zithromax.
Store: Zithromax pills should be stored at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Keep Zithromax pills away from the reach of children. Protect Zithromax pills from heat and moisture.
More Information About Zithromax:
- Zithromax only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold).
- Zithromax should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 16 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Zithromax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Zithromax may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zithromax . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zithromax while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zithromax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zithromax , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
- Be sure to use Zithromax for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
Note: Zithromax is a trademark of Pfizer. Shoppillrx.com is not affiliated with Pfizer.