How Does Zithromax Work?
Zithromax belongs to the family of medications that are called macrolide antibiotics. It is actually used in the treatment of some specific infections that are caused due to bacteria. It is used for the treatment of:
- Skin infection;
- Throat infection;
- Ear infection;
- Lung infection
The drug for bacterial infection can also be used for the treatment of MAC or Mycobacterium avium complex, in people who have HIV infection. The doctor might also suggest this medication for conditions that have not been listed here. If you are unsure as to why you have been given this medication then you should talk to your doctor.
How to Take Zithromax?
The doctor or the pharmacist might have provided you a leaflet, you should read this carefully, before starting the medicine and every time you get a refill. The mediation has to be taken by mouth, either with or without any food. The medication can be taken even if you are suffering from an upset stomach. The dosage of the medicine suggested by your doctor is based on the severity of the problem and the response that you have towards the treatment.
Antibiotics are known to work the best when the amount of medicine that is taken every day is kept at a constant level. Thus, make sure that you take this drug at the same time every day. This will also help you to remember the timing of consuming the medicine.
It is important you continue taking the medicine until you are done with the fully prescribed amount; even you notice the symptoms disappearing after some time. If you stop taking the medicine very early then it might cause a continuance in the bacterial growth. This might develop into an infection.
Antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum might result in the decrease of absorption of the oral drug for bacterial infection when taken at the same time. If you have taken an antacid with these ingredients, you should for at least two hours before you take the medicine.
Side Effects of Zithromax
A side effect is an unwanted reaction to a medicine when taken in normal dose. Side effects can be mild or severe. If you are worried about the side effects then it will be best to talk out the issue with the doctor. Some of the common side effects of the oral drug are:
- Dizziness;
- A headache;
- Diarrhea;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Pain or discomfort in the stomach
There are some side effects that do not happen very often but can cause serious problems if not treated properly. These are:
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Signs of myasthenia gravis such as difficulty in swallowing and chewing, vision changes, and muscle weakness
- Signs of liver issues, such as loss of appetite, dark urine, loss of weight, white eyes and yellowing of the skin, and pale stools
Again, there are side effects that will prompt to stop taking the medicine immediately.
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Stomach or abdominal cramp and pain
- Signs of serious allergic reactions like, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, nausea, swelling of the throat and face
- Signs of serious skin reactions like peeling, blistering, rash that spreads quickly, a rash covering a large portion of the body, and a rash that is combined with discomfort and fever
Precautions and Warnings
Before you start taking this medication, you need to inform the doctor if you have allergies and medical conditions that you have. You also need to inform the doctor if you are taking some other medication for some other condition. Given below are the factors that might affect the consumption of the oral drug for bacterial infection.
Heart Condition: The drug can be responsible for the abnormal heartbeat and needs to be avoided by people who have some specific heart rhythm issues, particularly bradycardia, long QT syndrome, and congenital QT interval prolongation. It should also be avoided by people who have low potassium magnesium level.
Kidney Disease: Having a kidney disease or suffering from the problem of reducing in the function of the kidney means that you would have to talk to the doctor regarding the effect of the drug on your condition.
Liver Disease: If the liver does not function properly then there is an increased risk of incurring the side effects. This condition also has to be discussed with the doctor.
Myasthenia Gravis: Taking the drug is known to flare up the condition of Myasthenia Gravis. Thus, be careful to discuss the condition with the doctor before taking the antibiotic.
