azithromycin suspension - oral, Zithromax
GENERIC NAME: AZITHROMYCIN SUSPENSION - ORAL (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. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only 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.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing loss, eye problems (e.g., drooping eyelids, blurred vision), slurred speech, muscle weakness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes or skin.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: severe dizziness, fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat.This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur weeks to months 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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.An allergic reaction to this medication may return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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