Zithromax Drug Information
Zithromax (generic name: azithromycin) is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics.
Zithromax has in many ways revolutionized the treatment of chlamydial infections. It is one of the most widely studied antibiotics for chlamydia and provides the high cure rate. Zithromax is particularly effective for chronic persistent genital chlamydia. The advantage of azithromycin is that it works after taking a single dose. But you'll need to wait seven days after having treatment with 1 g orally. Zithromax is also recommended as a first-line treatment for genital chlamydial infection during pregnancy. There is evidence supporting azithromycin as safe and effective in pregnant women.
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.
Zithromax prevents bacteria from growing by interfering with their protein synthesis.
Zithromax may also be used for purposes other than those listed here; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Zithromax Directions and Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Zithromax exactly as directed.
Zithromax may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
The dose will depend on your infection. The usual dose to treat Chlamydia is two 500 mg tablets taken as a single dose. For other infections Zithromax is usually taken once a day. Sometimes the dose is taken once a week. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.
To clear up your infection completely, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will make it easier to remember.
If you are taking an antacid (e.g., Gastrogel, Mylanta), take it at least one hour before or two hours after your Zithromax dose. This will avoid any possible effect of the antacid on the absorption of Zithromax.
If you miss a dose of Zithromax and you are taking Zithromax for three days or longer, take it as soon as you remember (within a 24- hour period), then continue as normal. Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time.
Like many antibiotics, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, you may want to use an additional form of birth control.
Keep Zithromax at room temperature, away from heat and light.
Zithromax Precautions
Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to any medicines;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Zithromax Ingredients
Active ingredient: azithromycin.