What is Zithromax?
Zithromax is the macrolide antibiotic that is linked with erythromycin. The medication helps in fighting bacteria present in the body. This drug is also used to cure different kinds of infections that are caused by the bacteria like skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases, ear infections and respiratory infections. In case of children, the medication is used to cure the diseases and problems like pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis and ear infection.
The drug is also used off label for various other mild and moderate pediatric infections which are mainly caused due to susceptible bacteria like Cat Scratch Disease, sinus infections, chronic bronchitis, pertussis and walking pneumonia.
The Zithromax suspension and capsules include active ingredient called azithromycin that is a kind of medicine known as macrolide antibiotic. This azithromycin is utilized to cure the infections that are caused by bacteria. Zithromax online can also be taken from reliable and trusted drug stores. It is easy and simple to buy Zithromax from online stores but it is wise to be aware of the fact that you are buying a real drug and not some fake or replica medication.
How to take Zithromax?
The recommended dosage of Zithromax for treating the skin and lung infections is 2 250 mg tablets to be taken on first day, followed by a single tablet at same time every day for 4 days. The general dosage for preventing mycobacterium avium complex infection in the people with HIV is 1,200 mg to be consumed once in a week.
As far as the children dosage is concerned, it is based on the body weight. If used to cure otitis media or the middle ear infection, a span of treatment lesser than 5 days can be used as per the dosage used.
The Zithromax tablets can be taken with and without food. But it has been observed that there is increased tolerability when the drug is taken with proper food. Zithromax for the oral suspension in one 1 g packet can be consumed with or without the food intake after constitution.
What if I miss a dose of Zithromax?
In situations when you miss the dosage of Zithromax, take the skipped dose when you remember. In case you do not remember till the net dose time, skip that dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never try catching up the missed dose by taking the medication twice.
Zithromax interactions
Just like other drugs, Zithromax can also interact with some other drugs. It is crucial to disclose the prescription, medications that are being taken up by you so that the medical professional can know whether the drug will be effective and safe for you or not. It is even imperative to inform the doctor about allergies. It is to be remembered that Zithromax can raise the sensitivity to light and that one should not take this drug with antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum like Mylanta and Maalox. In case this drug is taken with some other medication, the effects of either of them could be reduced, increased or even altered. It is thus imperative to check with the healthcare specialist before using Zithromax with other drugs like Warfarin, Hexobarbital, Ergot containing medications like Cafergot, Phenytoin, Cyclosporine, Digoxin and Nelfinavir.
Also, it is crucial not to take the antacids within two hours before and after taking Zithromax. This includes Pepcid Complete, Milk of Magnesia and others. These types of antacids can actually make Zithromax a bit less effective.
Zithromax precautions
It is imperative not to use Zithromax in case you have allergic reactions to azithromycin or the drugs like clarithromycin, troleandomycin, telithromycin or erythromycin. Also, if you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may require the dosing adjustment and tests to use Zithromax safely:
- Kidney disease
- Heart rhythm disorder
- Liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- History of Long QT syndrome
Further, Zithromax may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision and drowsiness. And these effects can be worsened in case you take the medication with some medicines or alcohol. So it is advisable to use this drug with proper caution.
It is also important to contact the healthcare professional in case you face severe diarrhea, bloody stools or stomach cramps and pain. Do not cure diarrhea without checking with the medical practitioner.
How to store Zithromax?
If using Zithromax, store the drug as directed by the doctor or pharmacist. Keep the medication out of reach of the pets and children. Also, remember not to use the syringes, needles and other equipment again. Ask the health care professional the proper way of disposing these materials.