Zithromax (azithromycin) is a macrolide-based antibiotic that is used in a wide range of cases for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is effective in stopping the further spread of infectious bacteria as a part of the general treatment against infections. However, patients need to be aware of the fact that the incorrect administration of any type of antibiotic could decrease their effectiveness. This refers to cases when an antibiotic is misused and administered for treatment of non-bacterial infections or those caused by other reasons. This could provoke reduced productivity of treatment and ineffectiveness of this drug during the subsequent cases of its usage.

How to Use This Medication

Zithromax should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. As a rule, this drug is administered once a day with a meal or on an empty stomach. It might be advisable to take this drug with a meal in case you experience an upset stomach. This is because all types of antibiotics affect the digestion system and may provoke undesirable effects. The dosage in your particular case will depend on your health condition and the reaction of your organism to treatment. Don’t forget to get acquainted with the information provided on a leaflet available inside the drug package before taking this medication and during each subsequent session of treatment. If you have any doubts or concerns, consult your physician or pharmacist at the drugstore.

In order to achieve the best possible results, this antibiotic needs to be taken at equally spaced intervals of time. In order not to forget about the timing, it is advisable to take this medication at the same time period during the day. Don’t miss dosages and continue using the medication up until all the designated amount runs out, even if you feel better and the signs of your disease seem to have disappeared after a while. In case you stop the process of treatment too early, the bacteria could continue growing and spreading, which may cause the return of undesirable symptoms and further spread of the infection.

If you are using vitamins, supplements or other additional nutrients such as aluminum or magnesium, the absorption of the drug may be decreased. If you take antacids, it is advisable to wait at least two hours before or after you take Zithromax. Don’t forget to consult your doctor on a regular basis and tell him/her whenever your health condition gets worse or symptoms persist.

Precautions to be Considered before Using Zithromax

Before taking this drug, tell your physician about possible allergies that you may have as a reaction to some other drugs, substances or food products. This drug may contain some passive components that could provoke allergic reactions in some patients or cause a range of other associated problems. In order to find out the details, consult your pharmacist or doctor. Don’t forget to make your doctor aware of your medical history especially if you are suffering from a muscle-related illness.

Zithromax may provoke the ineffectiveness of live bacteria. It is advisable not to consume any when utilizing this drug unless your physician tells you otherwise. Elderly patients could be more susceptible to certain adverse reactions, including the prolongation of QT. Therefore, for older patients, this drug should be used only when it cannot be avoided. You need to discuss the benefits and potential risks of this drug’s administration with your physician. Breastfeeding women should also consult the doctor before using this medication as this antibiotic can penetrate the breast milk.

As mentioned earlier, Zithromax may cause prolongation of QT affecting the heart rhythm. This could sometimes provoke serious consequences (in certain cases, lethal) such as elevated or irregular heartbeat and various other signs and symptoms, and in this case, it is necessary to seek immediate medical help. The risk of this side effect could be even higher if you take some other medications that cause the same symptoms. Therefore, you need to make your doctor aware of any other conditions you are suffering from before taking this drug. Such problems as a slow heartbeat, family history of heart-related diseases and various other cardiac illnesses could make it more possible that you will experience QT prolongation as a side effect.

Other Warnings: Potential Side Effects

Possible adverse reactions in the course of the treatment with Zithromax could include the following signs and symptoms:

• Upset stomach (diarrhea);
• Impaired hearing;
• Speaking problems;
• Throat impairments (difficulty swallowing);
• Unusual fatigue;
• Strong abdominal pain;
• Discoloration of urine, etc.

In case these symptoms persist or your condition starts worsening, inform your doctor immediately. Remember that your physician has given you the directions as for the intake of this drug based on the understanding that the benefits from such treatment are higher than possible risks. However, it is worth keeping in mind that not too many people experience serious adverse reactions while taking Zithromax. As such, it is relatively safe to take this medication, but you need to inform your physician right away in case some of the above-mentioned conditions occur and do not seem to go away for a long period of time.

This medication may also cause a fast heartbeat, which may lead to serious consequences if medical assistance is not provided timely. Sometimes, the medication may provoke intestinal condition because of the resistance of certain types of bacteria to antibiotics. This symptom may occur in the course of the treatment or several weeks/months after the treatment is over. Do not use any pain relieving drugs because they may cause worsening of your condition. Tell your doctor about any unusual conditions you experience during treatment. Allergic reactions are also possible, so be watchful about any irregular signs that may occur after taking the drug and seek immediate help if any serious symptoms are provoked by the intake of this medication.