Medications and Drugs

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GENERIC NAME: AZITHROMYCIN - ORAL SUSPENSION (azz-ith-row-MY-sin)

BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Azithromycin is an antibiotic (macrolide-type) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. This antibiotic only treats bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

HOW TO USE: Shake the suspension well before using. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. You may take this medication with food if stomach upset occurs. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are giving this medication to a child, the dosage is also based on his/her weight. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at the same time each day if taken daily. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection. Antacids may decrease the absorption of azithromycin. If you take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours after taking this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or stomach/abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.