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|Azithromycin Azithromycin

Azithromycin

Generic name: Azithromycin
Brand names: Zithromax

Why is Azithromycin prescribed?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic related to erythromycin. 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, Azithromycin is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

Most important fact about Azithromycin

There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Azithromycin, 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 Azithromycin and call your doctor immediately.

How should you take Azithromycin?

Take Azithromycin capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension 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.

If you are using single-dose packets of Azithromycin powder for oral suspension, mix the entire contents of each packet with 2 ounces of water, drink immediately, then add an additional 2 ounces of water, mix again, and drink to make sure you"ve taken the entire dose. When giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper. Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that remains.

Your doctor will only prescribe Azithromycin to treat a bacterial infection; it will not cure a viral infection, such as the common cold. It"s important to take the full dosage schedule of Azithromycin, even if you"re feeling better in a few days. Not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug"s effectiveness and increase the chances that the bacteria may become resistant to Azithromycin and similar antibiotics.

--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...

Azithromycin 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 Azithromycin.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, diarrhea or loose stools, nausea or vomiting

The single large dose of Azithromycin 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.

Why should Azithromycin not be prescribed?

Do not take Azithromycin 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 Azithromycin

Like certain other antibiotics, Azithromycin 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 Azithromycin.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Azithromycin

Do not take Azithromycin with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta.

If Azithromycin 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 Azithromycin with the following:

Nelfinavir (Viracept)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and D.H.E.
Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Hexobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. You should take Azithromycin during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. It is not known whether Azithromycin 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

Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections

The usual dose of Azithromycin is 500 milligrams in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams a day for 3 days.

Sinus Infection

The usual dose of Azithromycin is 500 milligrams once a day for 3 days.

Genital Ulcer Disease

The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 milligrams) one time only.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams) dose.

CHILDREN

Middle Ear Infection

For children aged 6 months and up, treatment may be given three ways. One option is a single dose of 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Another option is a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds given each day for 3 days. Azithromycin can also be given over a period of 5 days, starting with a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds on the first day and continuing with daily doses of 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.

Sinus Infection

For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Azithromycin suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight given once daily for 3 days.

Pneumonia

For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Azithromycin suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose the first day, followed by 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.

Strep Throat and Tonsillitis

For children aged 2 years and up, the usual dose is 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 5 days.

Overdosage

Although no specific information on Azithromycin overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.