uses

What is Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral) used for?

Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
Campylobacter Gastroenteritis
Chancroid
Gonococcal Infection -- Uncomplicated
Granuloma Inguinale
Legionella Pneumonia
Lyme Disease -- Erythema Chronicum Migrans
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Treatment
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Prophylaxis
Mycobacterium kansasii
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Otitis Media
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pneumonia
Shigellosis
Sinusitis
Syphilis -- Early
Bacterial Infection
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
Skin and Structure Infection
Bronchitis
Chlamydia Infection
Cervicitis
Babesiosis
Pertussis Prophylaxis
Bartonellosis
Pertussis

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral)?

You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had:

jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin; or
a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

Azithromycin oral should not be used to treat pneumonia in people who have:

cystic fibrosis;
an infection after being in a hospital;
an infection in the blood;
a weak immune system (caused by diseases such as HIV/AIDS or cancer); or
in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

pneumonia;
liver or kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
low levels of potassium in your blood;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

It is not known whether this medicine is effective in treating genital ulcers in women.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Taking azithromycin while breastfeeding may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or rash in the nursing baby.

Azithromycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old. Azithromycin should not be used to treat a throat or tonsil infection in a child younger than 2 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
liver problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Call your doctor right away if a baby taking azithromycin becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting; or
stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral)?

Use Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Azithromycin oral is taken by mouth. Azithromycin injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually for 2 days before you switch to azithromycin oral. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may take azithromycin oral with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Zithromax Z-Pak (Oral)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.