Zmax (Azithromycin) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zmax

Travel Medicine »

Why should travelers see a physician before they leave on a trip?

Travelers should see a physician before leaving for a trip if

they are going to developing countries,
they are visiting sites that are not on the usual tourist routes or traveling to high altitudes,
they have chronic diseases that could be affected by travel,
they are visiting countries that require vaccinations before they allow travelers to enter the country.

The goal of a pre-travel medical evaluation is to help travelers protect themselves against (1) common diseases that may be mild but that will disrupt their trip, and (2) less common diseases that may be serious or even fatal. All travelers need to be up to date on routine vaccines they would normally get if they were not traveling. For example, an annual influenza vaccination (flu shot) is recommended if traveling during influenza season. Travelers should also be up to date on te...

Read the Travel Medicine article »

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Zmax Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin?

Do not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
a history of Long QT syndrome.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azithromycin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with azithromycin may not be the same for every type of infection.

Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

To use the oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. Do not save for later use. Throw away any mixed oral suspension that has not been used within 12 hours.

To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Azithromycin capsules must be taken on an empty stomach. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal.

Azithromycin tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

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