There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Zithromax, including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes speaking, swallowing, and
breathing), anaphylaxis (a violent, even fatal allergic reaction), and serious skin diseases. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor immediately.
How should you take this medication?
Take Zithromax capsules or oral suspension at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Zithromax tablets can be taken with or without food. Do not take any form
with an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, such as Di-Gel, Gelusil, Maalox, and others.
Be sure to take the drug as prescribed. If you stop taking Zithromax too soon, some germs may survive and the illness
may return.
If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to
"catch up" by doubling the dose.
Storage instructions...
Zithromax should be stored at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zithromax.
More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, diarrhea or loose stools, nausea or vomiting
Less common side effects may include:
Blood in the stools, chest pain, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, gas,
headache, heart palpitations, indigestion, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), kidney infection, light sensitivity, rash, severe allergic reaction including swelling (as in hives), vaginal
inflammation, vertigo, yeast infection
Other uncommon side effects sometimes seen in children include:
Agitation, constipation, feeling of illness, fever, insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness,
overactivity, pinkeye, stomach inflammation
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.
Do not take Zithromax
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to similar antibiotics such as erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, and others).
Special warnings about this medication
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 develop diarrhea, check with your doctor immediately.
If you have a liver problem, your doctor should monitor you very carefully while you are taking Zithromax.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Zithromax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Zithromax with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta.
The following interactions can occur with erythromycin, a similar drug.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain antihistamines such as Hismanal and Seldane
Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and D.H.E.
Hexobarbital
Lovastatin (Mevacor)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Theophylline drugs such as Bronkodyl, Slo-Phyllin, Theo-Dur, and others
Triazolam (Halcion)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. You should take Zithromax during pregnancy only if it is clearly
needed. It is not known whether Zithromax can make its way into breast milk. If the drug is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage
Adults;
Respiratory Diseases, 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.
