Zithromax Z-Pak® Information
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Physician
needs to know if you have any of these conditions:;
kidney disease; liver disease; pneumonia; stomach
problems (especially colitis); other chronic
illness; an unusual or allergic reaction to
azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics (such
as erythromycin), foods, dyes, or preservatives;
or if you are breast-feeding.
AZITHROMYCIN (Zithromax®) - ORAL
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zithromax, Zithromax
Z-Pac, Z-Pack.
USES: Zithromax Z-Pac is an antibiotic
related to erythromycin. It is prescribed for
adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin
infections; upper and lower respiratory tract
infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat),
tonsillitis, worsening of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted
infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and
genital ulcers in men. Azithromycin also treats
sexually transmitted vaginal or urinary tract
infections caused by chlamydia.
HOW TO USE: Take Zithromax Z-Pac (azithromycin)
by mouth. Take Zithromax Z-Pac capsules at
least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Zithromax Z-Pac tablets can be taken with or
without food. Swallow tablets whole with a full
glass of water. Do not take with an antacid that
contains aluminum or magnesium, such as Di-Gel,
Gelusil or Maalox. Follow the directions on the
prescription label. Take your doses at regular
intervals. Do not take more often than directed.
Finish the full course prescribed even if you
think your condition is better. If you stop taking
Zithromax too soon, as the germs may survive
and the your illness may return. Do not take
Zithromax Z-Pac if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to it or to similar antibiotics such
as erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, and others).
Respiratory Diseases, Tonsillitis, Strep
Throat and Skin Infections:
The usual dose of Zithromax Z-Pac is 500 milligrams
in a single dose the first day. This is followed
by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days.
Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams
a day for 3 days.
Genital Ulcers:
The usual dose is a single gram (1,000 milligrams)
one time only.
STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases):
The usual dose is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams)
dose.
SIDE EFFECTS: Zithromax Z-Pac (azithromycin)
- Nausea, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, headache,
or cold symptoms may occur. If these persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely
but report promptly: dizziness, mental/mood changes,
fast heartbeat, fever. Tell your doctor immediately
if any of these highly unlikely but very serious
side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat.
There is a possibility of rare but very serious
reactions to Zithromax Z-Pac, including angioedema
(swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes
speaking, swallowing, and breathing), anaphylaxis
(a violent, even fatal allergic reaction), and
serious skin diseases. Blood in the stools, chest
pain, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, gas, headache,
heart palpitations, indigestion, itching, jaundice
(yellowing of the skin and the whites of the
eyes), kidney infection, light sensitivity, rash,
severe allergic reaction including swelling (as
in hives), vaginal inflammation, vertigo, yeast
infection. If you develop these symptoms, stop
taking Zithromax Z-Pac and call your physician
immediately. Although drowsiness is very uncommon
at usual doses under normal circumstances, be
aware that drowsiness may occur and may effect
the ability to perfom tasks requiring alertness
(e.g., driving).
DRUG INTERACTIONS: antacids; astemizole;
digoxin; dihydroergotamine; ergotamine; magnesium
salts; terfenadine; triazolam; warfarin Tell
your prescriber or health care professional about
all other medicines you are taking, including
non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements,
or herbal products. Also tell your Physicianl
if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine
or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal
drugs. These may affect the way your Zithromax
Z-Pac (azithromycin) works.
OVERDOSE: Symptoms of overdose may include
irregular or unusually slow or fast heartbeat,
unusual nervousness or excitement, rapid breathing,
confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
If Zithromax Z-Pac (azithromycin) overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control
center by calling 1-800-222-1222 or by
locating your closest local poison control centre
amoung those listed here -
American
Association of Poison Control Centers
NOTES: If you are pregnant or plan to
become pregnant, inform your physician immediately.
You should take Zithromax Z-Pac during pregnancy
only if it is clearly needed. It is not known
whether Zithromax can make its way into breast
milk. If the drug is essential to your health,
your physician may advise you to stop breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished. Keep out of
the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors
and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or
sun tanning beds or booths.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Zithromax
Z-Pac (azithromycin), take it as soon as you
can. If it is almost time for your next dose,
take only that dose. Do not take double or extra
doses. There should be an interval of at least
12 hours between doses.
STORAGE: Store Zithromax Z-Pac (azithromycin)
at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees
F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
Zithromax Z-Pac Information and Resources:
