Zithromax (Azithromycin) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Zithromax

Ear Infection (Otitis Media) »

Ear infection or inflammation (otitis media) facts

Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) is the most common diagnosis in sick children in the U.S.
Otitis media features fever, ear pain, and a feeling of fullness in the ear; as well as fussiness and feeding problems in young children.
Otitis media is usually an infection and/or inflammation of the middle ear.
Ear infection or inflammation causes fluid buildup in the middle ear.
A cold or other respiratory infection can lead to ear infections or inflammation.
Exposure to other children's colds as often occurs in daycare centers, raises the risk of contracting otitis media (ear infection or inflammation).
Bottlefeeding increases the risk of ear infection or inflammation in babies.
Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss.
Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus to drain into the ear canal.
Otitis ...

Read the Ear Infection (Otitis Media) article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Zithromax User Reviews >>

Zithromax

Take the MRSA Quiz!

Strep or Sore Throat Slideshow Pictures

Infectious Mononucleosis Slideshow Pictures

font size

PATIENT INFORMATION

ZITHROMAX (azithromycin) tablets may be taken with or without food. However, increased tolerability has been observed when tablets are taken with food.

ZITHROMAX (azithromycin) for oral suspension in single 1 g packets can be taken with or without food after constitution.

Patients should also be cautioned not to take aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids and azithromycin simultaneously.

The patient should be directed to discontinue azithromycin immediately and contact a physician if any signs of an allergic reaction occur.

Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs including Zithromax (azithromycin) should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Zithromax (azithromycin) is prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Zithromax (azithromycin) or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/31/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.