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|Zithromax

Zithromax

Zithromax is used for:

Treating infections caused by certain bacteria. Zithromax will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic. It slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, sensitive bacteria by reducing the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to survive.

Do NOT use Zithromax if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Zithromax or to other macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin)
• you are taking pimozide

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Zithromax :

Some medical conditions may interact with Zithromax . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.
• if you have liver or kidney problems or abnormal heart rhythms

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zithromax . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Melfinavir because side effects of Zithromax may be increased
• Rifampin because the effectiveness of Zithromax may be decreased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, disopyramide, pimozide, or rifampin because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
• Theophylline because blood levels may temporarily decrease after stopping Zithromax

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zithromax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Zithromax :

Use Zithromax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Zithromax is usually administered as an injection at your doctor"s office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using Zithromax at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.
• If Zithromax contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Zithromax for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• If you miss a dose of Zithromax , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zithromax .

Important safety information:

• Zithromax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Zithromax . Using Zithromax alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Zithromax may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Zithromax . Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Long-term or repeated use of Zithromax may cause a second infection. Your doctor may want to change your medicine to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• It is important to use Zithromax for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of this treatment and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer sensitive to Zithromax and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibacterial medicines in the future.
• Zithromax is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Zithromax may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, you may want to use an additional form of birth control.
• Use Zithromax with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 16 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zithromax during pregnancy. It is unknown if Zithromax is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Zithromax :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; headache; loose stools; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; chest pain; dark red raised areas of the skin; hearing loss; pounding in the chest; ringing in the ears; severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include diarrhea; nausea; upset stomach; vomiting.

Store Zithromax at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zithromax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Zithromax , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Zithromax is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use Zithromax for other health conditions.
• If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zithromax . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.