Generic Zithromax (AZITHROMYCIN) is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in many parts of the body. Zithromax slows the growth of, or sometimes kills, sensitive bacteria by lowering the production of important proteins needed by the bacteria to live. Common uses

Zithromax is used to treat bacterial infections.
It is prescribed for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men. Zithromax can be taken by children to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.


Before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to azithromycin or to any related medicines such as erythromycin.
Pregnancy - Azithromycin has not been studied in pregnant women.
Children - This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children up to the age of 16. In effective doses, the medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems than it does in adults.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor.

Proper use To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking zithromax for the full time of treatment, even if you start feeling better in a few days. If you stop taking the medicine before your full course is over, the drug's effectiveness will decrease and bacteria may become more resistant to Zithromax.
Don't miss doses. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Don't take more than one dose at the same time.

Dosing

The dose of azithromycin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label.

Side Effects

There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Zithromax. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zithromax: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. These are not all side effects which may occur.

Drug interactions

Many drugs can interact with Zithromax. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using: digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); phenytoin (Dilantin);