Zithromax is a popular drug that is also widely known under the generic name of Azithromycin. This medicine belongs to a wide group of drugs that are known as macrolide antibiotics. This type of medicines is meant to fight harmful bacteria from the patient’s organism. This medicine is usually prescribed to treat a variety of infections that are caused by bacteria (this also includes skin infections, respiratory infections, sexually transmitted disorders and ear infections).
Zithromax Indications
Zithromax is a popular medicine that is mainly prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, skin infections, respiratory infections, sexually transmitted disorders, etc. However, this medicine can also be used to treat some other medical conditions that have not been listed here.
Zithromax Warnings

You must not start using Zithromax if you are suffering from an allergic reaction to this medicine or to any of its main ingredients. Before you start using this drug, you should inform your personal physician if you have allergies to any other medicines, especially macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S, Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin). Do not stop your treatment with Zithromax without your physician’s approval, even if you start to feel better after a few days of treatment. Remember, your symptoms might improve (sometimes even disappear) even if the infection has not completely cured. This medicine is not able to treat a viral infection such as flu or the common cold. This medicine should be taken 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after one (make sure that you take it on an empty stomach). Before you start using Azithromycin, alert your personal doctor if you are suffering from:
kidney disease;
liver disease;
a heart rhythm disease;
Long QT syndrome or a history of this disease.

If you are suffering from any of these medical conditions, you might not be allowed to start using Zithromax, or you might have to use a lower dose of this medicine. Your personal physician might want to monitor your treatment with it.

Zithromax is a category B FDA pregnancy drug. This medicine should not cause harm to a growing fetus. However, you should alert your personal physician (before you start using this medicine) if you are pregnant or if you are planning to be so soon. It has not been clearly determined whether this medicine’s main ingredients are able to pass into breast milk or not. You should ask your personal physician if it is safe to start taking this medicine if you are currently nursing an infant.
Zithromax Intake Guidelines

Ask your doctor how and when it is best that you use Zithromax. You must not disobey any of his or her instructions. If you fail to understand some of them, you should ask a pharmacist, a doctor or a nurse for further advice and recommendations. You should carefully read the instructions on the medicine’s label (or pack) for further information.

Each dose (tablet or capsule) of Zithromax should be accompanied by a full glass of water (8 ounces of liquid). This medicine should be stored away from heat and moisture, in a cool and dry place. Avoid keeping it in the bathroom or anywhere near the kitchen sink. This drug should be kept in a place that is far from the reach of children and pets in order to avoid any unwanted (and possibly dangerous) accidents such as poisoning. If you are using the liquid form of Zithromax, you should keep in mind that any unused medicine should be thrown away after 10 days.

What side effects may I notice from taking azithromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
•dark yellow or brown urine
•difficulty breathing
•severe or watery diarrhea
•skin rash, itching
•irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
•vomiting
•yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•dizziness, drowsiness
•hearing loss
•headache
•increased sensitivity to the sun
•nausea
•stomach pain or cramps
•tiredness
•vaginal irritation, itching or discharge

What should I watch for while taking azithromycin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days. Contact your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get an allergic reaction to azithromycin, such as rash, itching, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

If you get severe or watery diarrhea, do not treat yourself. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Antacids can stop azithromycin from working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took azithromycin, or 4 hours before your next dose.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking azithromycin.