Zithromax Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Zithromax Tablet (azithromycin) is a macrolide antibiotic that fights bacteria and is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections. It works by stopping certain bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. It is taken by mouth, with or without food, and should be used for the full prescribed length of time. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and headache.

What is Zithromax Tablet

Zithromax is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria. The generic name is azithromycin, and it belongs to the macrolides drug class.

Zithromax Tablet uses

• Respiratory or lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
• Throat infections such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis
• Sinus infections
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Certain infections in people with HIV

Benefits of Zithromax Tablet

Zithromax treats infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria that respond to it.

How Zithromax Tablet works

It stops certain types of bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply.

Zithromax Tablet dosage

Take Zithromax exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions on your prescription label. Zithromax can be taken with or without food. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup; a household spoon is not accurate. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms improve, to reduce the risk of resistant infection. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral tablet
• Oral suspension (liquid)
• Injection given by a health care provider

Side effects of Zithromax Tablet

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache

Serious

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, or red or purple rash that blisters and peels
• Angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat)
• Liver problems such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, light-colored stools, or jaundice
• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (heart rhythm changes / QT prolongation)
• Severe stomach pain or watery or bloody diarrhea (may be C. diff / antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
• In babies under 6 weeks, infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis causing vomiting and trouble keeping food down

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use Zithromax if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin.
• Do not use Zithromax if you are allergic to azithromycin or to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.
• Do not give Zithromax to a child younger than 6 months old.
• Tell your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis, as azithromycin can make muscle weakness and breathing problems worse.
• Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, as Zithromax can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 
• It is not known if or how azithromycin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus.
• Azithromycin passes into breast milk. 
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, and watch your baby for diarrhea, vomiting, or rash.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or kidney problems before taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
• It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect azithromycin. 
• There are no documented interactions, but drinking large amounts is not recommended while fighting an infection and may worsen side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.

Storage

• Store the oral tablet at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C), in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
• Store away from moisture and heat.
• Store the oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator, between 41 F and 86 F (5 C and 30 C), and use within 10 days. Do not freeze it.
• Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.
• Safely throw away any unused portion after the full treatment is finished.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, or swelling in your face or throat.
• Stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor if you have watery or bloody diarrhea.
• Call your doctor at once if you have fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
• Call your doctor right away if a baby taking Zithromax becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing.
• If you take too much, get medical help right away or call your local poison control center.

Alternatives

• Clarithromycin
• Erythromycin
• Doxycycline
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin-Clavulanate
• Cefuroxime