Warnings & Recalls for Zithromax
Zithromax and Risk of Cardiovascular Death
On May 17, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a safety warning regarding the
increase the cardiovascular death while using Zithromax. In studies done in 5 day treatments with Zithromax, patients' likelihood of death while using this treatment was nearly
double that of persons taking other antibiotics.
Patients who are taking Zithromax
should not stop using prescribed medicines for their condition unless directed to do so by their doctor.
Zithromax and Pregnancy
Zithromax has been assigned as an
FDA pregnancy B medicine. Professionals
do not expect Zithromax to cause harm to the fetus if taken during pregnant. However, it is
unknown if Zithromax passes through the breast-milk or could harm a feeding baby.
Talk to your doctor first
before using Zithromax if you are
pregnant,
breastfeeding or
may become pregnant.
General Warnings
Zithromax
is not for everyone. Patients who have a history of
jaundice or other
liver-related problems induced by azithromycin
should not use Zithromax.
Do not take Zithromax if you are
allergic to any ingredient in the medicine or any similar antibiotics; you may suffer from a serious and even fatal allergic reaction.
For safety,
let your doctor know if you have a history of any of the following:
- liver or kidney disease
- myasthenia gravis
- abnormal heart beat or a heart disorder
- Long QT syndrome (LQTS)
Avoid direct exposure to ultraviolet light. While taking Zithromax, your skin may be more prone to
sunburning when exposed to
sunlight or
tanning bed lamps.
Zithromax Interactions
Zithromax may cause diarrhea. Do not begin using
anti-diuretics unless prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking
antacids,
do not use them within two hours before or after taking Zithromax. Combining these medicines can
decrease the effectiveness of Zithromax.
Be sure to tell your doctor about
all medications you are taking to avoid interactions. Some medicines that may interact with Zithromax include:
- leukemia treatments
- pimozide
- antibiotics and anti-malaria medicines
- blood thinners such as Warfarin and drugs for controlling heart rate or blood pressure
- medicines for reducing cholesterol
- certain anti-fungal such as ergot medicines
- HIV and AIDS treatments
- medicines for treating migraine headaches, nausea, and vomiting
- narcotics and sedatives
- anti-depressants
- drugs for preventing seizures
- medications to prevent transplant rejection
- drugs for treating breathing problems or disorders
Zithromax Treatment and Use
Zithromax | Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic medication marketed by Pfizer for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Zithromax was first approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November of 1991. Zithromax may be used to treat:
- respiratory infections such a pneumonia or bronchitis
- sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia or gonorrhea)
- skin infections
- ear infections
Zithromax should not be given to anyone under 6 months old.
Zithromax is not a treatment for the common cold or viral infections.
How Does Zithromax Work?
Zithromax works by preventing bacteria from making and infecting proteins. Zithromax fights bacterial infections without harming the growth or production of healthy proteins in the body.
Zithromax Dosage Information
Zithromax comes in oral suspension form in 100mg, 250mg and 500mg doses to be taken by mouth, with or without food. Dosage depends on treatment type. Patients should take only the amount prescribed by their doctor. To use Zithromax:
- open the single dose suspension packet and empty contents into two ounces of water
- mix the solution and drink the medicine immediately
- add more water, stir, and drink any remaining solution
If you are using Zithromax oral suspension, shake bottle before opening and use the proper dose-measuring device to pour an accurate amount of medicine. Do not use a cup or spoon to measure Zithromax.
Continue using Zithromax until your prescription cycle is over, even if symptoms are completely gone. If treatment is ended early, the infection may return or become resistant to Zithromax.
Zithromax may make your skin more sensitive to sun and burning. Do not use tanning beds, and avoid being in direct sunlight. If you must go outdoors, wear protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
