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- $Unique_ID{BRK03043}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{azithromycin}
- $Subject{Zithromax Pfizer Antibiotic azithromycin bacterial infections upper
- lower respiratory tracts skin sexually transmitted diseases bacteria protein
- preventing growth}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- azithromycin
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)
-
- Zithromax (Pfizer)
-
- TYPE OF DRUG
-
- Antibiotic
-
- INGREDIENT
-
- azithromycin
-
- DOSAGE FORM
-
- Capsules (250 mg)
-
- STORAGE
-
- This product should be stored at room temperature in a closed,
- light-resistant container.
-
- USES
-
- Azithromycin is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections,
- including those of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and skin and certain
- sexually transmitted diseases. This medicine acts by preventing bacteria from
- manufacturing protein and thereby preventing their growth. Azithromycin kills
- certain bacteria but is not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungi.
-
- TREATMENT
-
- It is best to take azithromycin on an empty stomach (one hour before and
- two hours after a meal). Azithromycin works best when the level of medicine
- in your bloodstream is kept constant. Therefore, it is best to take the doses
- at the same time every day.
- If you miss a dose, take it immediately. However, if you don't remember
- to take your scheduled dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go
- back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose.
- It is important to continue to take this medicine for the entire time
- period prescribed by the doctor (usually five days), even if the symptoms
- disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking this drug too
- soon, resistant bacteria (bacteria that will not be killed by the antibiotic)
- are given a chance to continue to grow and infection could recur.
-
- SIDE EFFECTS
-
- Minor.
-
- Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain. These
- effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is
- important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear
- protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
- slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
-
- Major.
-
- Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
- particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
- fever, palpitations, rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or neck,
- sore throat, rectal or vaginal itching, unusual bruising or bleeding, or
- yellowing of the eyes or skin. Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be
- getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor.
-
- INTERACTIONS
-
- Azithromycin interacts with several medications:
- 1. Azithromycin potentially can increase blood levels of aminophylline,
- theophylline, carbamazepine, cyclosporin, phenytoin, digoxin, triazolam,
- phenobarbital, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or oral anticoagulants (blood
- thinners, such as warfarin); this may lead to serious side effects.
- 2. Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium will decrease the efficacy
- of azithromycin. Take antacids one hour before, or two hours after your dose
- of azithromycin.
- BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
- taking, especially any listed above.
-
- WARNINGS
-
- * Tell your doctor about any unusual reactions you have to any
- medications, especially to azithromycin, erythromycin, or clarithromycin.
- * Tell you doctor if you have or ever had kidney disease, liver disease,
- or heart disease.
- * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
- Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
- different medicine. You should not give your medication to other people or
- use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do
- so.
- * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
- to tell your doctor or dentist you are taking azithromycin.
- * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this
- medicine during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. Also,
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. It is not known if
- azithromycin passes into breast milk.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-