How to Use

To ensure the safe use of Azithromycin, let the doctor know if you suffer from or have a history of any of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hearth rhythm disorder
• Myasthenia gravis
• History of Long QT syndrome

You should use Azithromycin precisely as prescribed. Do not take smaller or larger doses than recommended or for duration shorter or longer than stipulated in the prescription. The size of dose and length may not be the same for different infections. The doctor may change the dose to achieve the best results.

Most forms of Azithromycin can be taken with or without food. The Zmax extended-release liquid can be taken an hour before meal or two hours after a meal.

Open the oral suspension single-dose packet and pour the medicine into two ounces of water. Stir and drink the mixture right away. Add a little water into the glass, swirl and drink. This guarantees you take the entire dose. If you haven’t used the mixture in 12 hours, throw it away.

The pre-mixed oral suspension should be shaken before being measured with a dose measuring cup or spoon.

The symptoms may improve before the dose is complete. Use the medicine for the full length prescribed. Skipping a dose can elevate the risk of developing further infections that may be resistant to antibiotics. 

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category B

Azithromycin is not expected to cause harm to an unborn baby. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant during the course of treatment. It is unknown if azithromycin can pass into breast milk or if it can cause harm to a breastfeeding baby.

Storage

Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture and discard the unused liquid suspension after 10 days.

Side Effects

Serious

• Bloody or watery diarrhea
• Headache with severe dizziness and chest pain or pounding heartbeats
• Nausea, loss of appetite, itching or pain in the upper stomach, dark urine, jaundice, clay-colored stool
• Severe skin reaction

Common

• Mild diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Mild stomach upset or pain
• Vaginal discharge or itching

Safety

Azithromycin should not be used by patients who have had liver problems or jaundice. You should also not use this medication if you are allergic to azithromycin or similar drugs like erythromycin, telithromycin or clarithromycin.

Azithromycin should not be given to babies younger than 6 months. Older adults have a higher risk of experiencing such side effects as heart rhythm; among them fatal fast heart rate.

Interactions

Azithromycin has interactions with 353 drugs.