ZITHROMAX (azithromycin tablets and azithromycin for oral suspension) contain the active ingredient azithromycin, an azalide, a subclass of macrolide antibiotics, for oral administration. Azithromycin has the chemical name (2R,3S,4R,5R,8R, 10R,11R,12S,13S,14R)-13-[(2,6-dideoxy-3-C-methyl-3-O-methyl-α-L-ribo-hexopyranosyl) oxy]-2-ethyl-3,4,10-trihydroxy-3,5,6,8,10,12,14-heptamethyl-11-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3- (dimethylamino)-β-D-xylo-hexopyranosyl]oxy]-1-oxa-6-azacyclopentadecan-15-one. Azithromycin is derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring. Its molecular formula is C₃₈H₇₂N₂O₁₂, and its molecular weight is 749.00. Azithromycin has the following structural formula:
Azithromycin, as the dihydrate, is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C₃₈H₇₂N₂O₁₂•2H₂O and a molecular weight of 785.0.ZITHROMAX is supplied for oral administration as film-coated, modified capsular shaped tablets containing azithromycin dihydrate equivalent to either 250 mg or 500 mg azithromycin and the following inactive ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, pregelatinized starch, sodium croscarmellose, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, lactose, titanium dioxide, triacetin and D&C Red #30 aluminum lake.ZITHROMAX for oral suspension is supplied in bottles containing azithromycin dihydrate powder equivalent to 300 mg, 600 mg, 900 mg, or 1200 mg azithromycin per bottle and the following inactive ingredients: sucrose; sodium phosphate, tribasic, anhydrous; hydroxypropyl cellulose; xanthan gum; FD&C Red #40; and spray dried artificial cherry, creme de vanilla and banana flavors. After constitution, each 5 mL of suspension contains 100 mg or 200 mg of azithromycin.
Drug Uses
Zithromax is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
How Taken
Zithromax comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day for 2-5 days. Take Zithromax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The capsules and tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Zithromax even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zithromax without talking to your doctor. Take Zithromax liquid at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. The capsule and tablet may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Zithromax, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Zithromax is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Zithromax passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zithromax and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zithromax and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; a rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Zithromax tablets should be stored between 15° to 30° C (59° to 86°F). Store constituted suspension between 5° to 30°C (41° to 86°F) and discard when full dosing is completed or within 10 days. Shake well before each use. Oversized bottle provides shake space. Keep tightly closed.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of Zithromax overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
More Information
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Zithromax may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.