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Zithromax
is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Zithromax
(azithromycin) fights bacteria in your body. Zithromax is used
to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such
as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear
infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Directions
How
much Zithromax you take and how often you take it depends
on many factors, including the condition being treated and
the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions
about the amount and/or frequency of Zithromax you are taking,
talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the
patient leaflet provided with Zithromax and reread it each
time you get this prescription refilled. Take Zithromax
exactly -as prescribed by your health care provider. Zithromax
may be taken with or without food. Do not take antacids
that contain magnesium or aluminum at the same time that
you are taking Zithromax. Long-term or repeated use of Zithromax
may cause a second infection. You may need to stop taking
Zithromax and start another medication to treat the second
infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection
occur. Take all of the prescribed medicine. Failure to take
all of the Zithromax may prevent complete elimination of
bacteria, allowing the infection to return. If severe diarrhea,
stomach cramps/pain, or bloody stools occur, contact your
health care provider at once. This could be a sign of a
serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention.
Do not treat diarrhea without talking to your doctor. Zithromax
may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution while driving
or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination,
or physical dexterity. Zithromax may cause sensitivity to
sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other
ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing
until tolerance is determined. Do not stop taking Zithromax
without checking with your doctor. Patients with previous
medical conditions should talk with their health care provider
before using Zithromax. Do not take any othe over-the-counter
or prescription medications without talking with your doctor.
This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements.
Do not take more Zithromax than prescribed unless advised
to do so by your doctor or health care provider.
Side Effects
Every medicine can cause side
effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs:
Severe: Serious allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue); severe diarrhea; stomach cramps/pain;
bloody stools; chest pain; dark red raised areas of skin.
Adults: Pounding in the chest. Children: Yellowing of the
skin or eyes. Common: Adults: Diarrhea/loose stools; nausea;
stomach pain. Children: Diarrhea/loose stools; stomach pain;
vomiting; nausea; headache. Other: Adults: Indigestion;
gas; vomiting; vaginal infection; dizziness; headache; feeling
of a whirling motion; drowsiness; tiredness; itching; sensitivity
to sunlight. Children: Chest pain; indigestion; constipation;
loss of appetite; gas; oral infection; chills; dizziness;
agitation; nervousness; sleeplessness; fever; tiredness;
fungal infection; general body discomfort; pain; increased
cough; sore throat; runny nose; itching; sweating; inflammation
of the eye; dry, itchy skin.
Precautions
Before using Zithromax, tell your health
care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant,
planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are
taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine,
herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have impaired
liver function; if you have any other medical condition.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Zithromax is missed, take it
as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if
it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the
dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more
than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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