Zithromax Z-Pak

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azithromycin

Pronunciation: az ith roe MYE sin

Brand: Zithromax, Zithromax Z-Pak

What is the most important information I should know about

azithromycin?

• Take all of the azithromycin that has been prescribed for you

even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve

before the infection is completely treated.

• Take azithromycin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours

after meals.

• Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2

hours of taking azithromycin.

What is azithromycin?

• Azithromycin is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics.

Azithromycin fights bacteria in your body.

• Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of bacterial

infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and skin

infections.

• Azithromycin may also be used for purposes other than those

listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take azithromycin?

• Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver

disease. You may not be able to take azithromycin, or you may require

a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment.

• Azithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that

it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication

without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

• It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk. Do

not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you

are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azithromycin?

• Take azithromycin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do

not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or

doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of

water.

• Take azithromycin on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours

after meals.

• To ensure that you get the correct dosage, measure the liquid

form of azithromycin with a dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a

regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask

your pharmacist where you can get one. Shake the suspension well

before measuring a dose.

• To take the azithromycin (Zithromax)1 gram oral suspension single

dose packet:

· The entire contents of the packet should be mixed thoroughly

with two ounces (approximately 60 mL) of water.

· Drink the entire contents immediately.

· Add an additional two ounces of water, mix and drink to

assure complete consumption of dosage.

· This suspension (1 gram packet) can be taken with or without

food.

· The single dose packet should not be used to administer doses

other than 1 gram of azithromycin.

· This packet is not for use by children.

• Take all of the azithromycin that has been prescribed for you

even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve

before the infection is completely treated.

• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and

heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is

almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed

dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of

this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.

• Symptoms of an azithromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting,

diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

What should I avoid while taking azithromycin?

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Azithromycin may increase

the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear

protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop

taking azithromycin and seek emergency medical attention:

· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your

throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

· liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea,

abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe

fatigue).

• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue to take azithromycin and talk to your doctor if you

experience

· nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain;

· unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache;

· vaginal yeast infection;

· a rash; or

· increased sensitivity to sunlight.

• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to

your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is

especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect azithromycin?

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking

any of the following drugs:

· antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids that contain aluminum or

magnesium. These will decrease the effectiveness of azithromycin.

Avoid taking these drugs within 2 hours of taking a dose of

azithromycin.

· terfenadine (Seldane) or astemizole (Hismanal). These drugs

may interact with azithromycin, although this is not likely to occur.

· seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Tegretol),

phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene) may be

affected.

· asthma medications such as theophylline (Theo-Dur, Theolair,

Theochron, others). Azithromycin may increase levels of these drugs

in your blood, which can lead to side effects. Your doctor may want

to monitor your therapy more closely.

· anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin).

These medications may interact with azithromycin, and your doctor may

want to monitor your blood clotting.

· other antibiotics. Do not use other antibiotics unless they

are prescribed by your doctor.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with

azithromycin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any

prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about azithromycin

written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of

children, never share your medicines with others, and use this

medication only for the indication prescribed.

The information in this leaflet is not intended to cover all possible

uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects.

If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your

doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

© Multum Information Services 2000. Version: 5.01. Revision date:

5/18/00.