Zithromax, also known as Zmax or Azithromycin, is an antibiotic that is classified as a macrolide. The drug is used to fight different types of bacterial infections. However, it is used only when the antimicrobial sensitivity of the bacteria to Zmax has been confirmed. While Zithromax will not work for common cold and flu, misuse of the drug can lead to bacterial resistance or its ineffectiveness.
Uses of Zithromax
Zmax is used in the treatment of the following:
- Sexually transmitted infections (e.g. urethritis and cervicitis due to C trachomatis or N gonorrhea)
- Acute otitis media
- Genital ulcer disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Skin infections (uncomplicated) due to S aureus, S pyogenes, or S agalactiae
- S pyogenes induced pharyngitis or tonsillitis
- Community acquired pneumonia
- Acute sinusitis
- Trachoma
Zithromax may also be used for other infections not mentioned here.
How Does Zithromax Work?
For bacteria to cause harm to humans, they must release their proteins (toxins) in significant amounts. Because Zithromax is a macrolide, it prevents bacteria from growing. The drug binds to the bacterial ribosome and interferes with synthesis of toxins. As a result, it inactivates the toxins, making them ineffective and allowing humans to recover.
Precautions
Before taking this medicine, do well to inform your doctor if you are allergic to Azithromycin, or if you have any recent history of jaundice or other liver diseases. You should also inform your doctor if you are allergic to other Macrolides like clarithromycin, telithromycin, or erythromycin. However, to be certain that this drug is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Myasthenia gravis
- Low blood potassium levels
- Kidney disease
- Heart rhythm disorder
- Long QT syndrome (or a family member with it)
Even though it is not certain whether Zithromax can pass through the breast milk and harm a breastfeeding baby, tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
Zithromax is contraindicated in children who are less than 6 months of age.
How to Use Zithromax
Zithromax comes in both solid and liquid forms. It is advisable to take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Also, avoid ingesting it for shorter or longer periods than prescribed. This is because the dose and duration of treatment vary for different types of infections as well as their severity.
You can take Zithromax with or without food. Thoroughly shake the suspensions to allow adequate mixing before use. Instead of a household spoon, measure the oral suspension with a dosing device.
If you are expected to take Zithromax once daily, always take it at the same time each day to prevent missed doses, which can make the drug less effective or increase bacteria resistance.
Do not take Zithromax with aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids at the same time. It is better to give a minimum of 2 hours interval before or after those antacids.
Side Effects of Zithromax
The side effects of this drug are usually mild. They include the following:
- Abdominal pains
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
- Watery stools/diarrhea
You may experience some serious side effects and should call a doctor immediately if they persist. These effects are as follows:
- blood/mucus in stool
- severe tiredness
- severe abdominal pain
- muscle weakness
- faster than normal or irregular heartbeat
- fainting
- difficulty in speaking or swallowing
- eye or ear problems
- yellowing of the eyes/skin
- darkening of urine
- persistent vomiting
Zithromax Oral Dosing Information (Adult)
The following dosage information is a guide, your doctor will prescribe yours based on the physical assessment of your condition.
- While the dose for acute bacterial sinusitis is 500 mg once daily for 3 days, genital ulcer (chancroid) requires just a single 1000 mg (1 gram) dose.
- Gonococcal urethritis/cervicitis requires 2 grams of Zithromax as a single dose regimen, but the dose for nongonococcal urethritis/cervicitis is 1 gram single dose.
- For acute bacterial exacerbation of COPD, the dose is either 500 mg once daily for 3 days or 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once from day 2 to day 5.
- For community acquired pneumonia and skin infections, the dose is 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily from days 2 to 5.
Missed Dose and Overdose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can remember. But if it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Also, inform your doctor about missed doses and do not double dose. If you suspect poisoning or overdose, call 911 or the poison control center in your area.
Drug Interactions
Zithromax interacts with the following disease conditions:
- QT Prolongation
- Colitis
- Liver diseases
- Myasthenia gravis
Though Zithromax interacts with over 300 drugs, only 82 are major interactions of note. Some of the major interactions include:
- Chloroquine
- Arsenic trioxide
- BCG
- Droperidol
- Efavirenz
- Fexinidazole
- Haloperidol
- Grepafloxacin
- Levoketoconazole
- Gatifloxacin
- Morphine
- Procainamide
- Ozanimod
- Quinidine
- Ribociclib
- Sparfloxacin
- Thioridazine
- Sotalol
- Ziprasidone
- Typhoid vaccine live
- Saquinavir
- Fecal microbiota spores live
- Cholera vaccine live
- Amisulpride
Storage
Zithromax should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, moisture or heat.