Brand Names: Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax

Generic Name: azithromycin (Pronunciation: a ZITH roe MYE sin)

• What is azithromycin (Zmax)?
• What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?
• What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin?
• How should I take azithromycin?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking azithromycin?
• What other drugs will affect azithromycin?
• Where can I get more information?

What is azithromycin (Zmax)?

Azithromycin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin fights bacteria in the body.

Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Azithromycin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Azithromycin 1 g Sus-GRE

banana-cherry

Azithromycin 250 mg-MYL

round, blue, imprinted with M 533

Azithromycin 250 mg-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with 93, 7146

Azithromycin 500 mg-GG

oval, white, imprinted with GG D8

Azithromycin 500 mg-MYL

oblong, blue, imprinted with M534

Azithromycin 500 mg-TEV

oblong, pink, imprinted with 93, 7169

Azithromycin 600 mg-GG

oval, white, imprinted with GGD7

Azithromycin 600 mg-GRE

oval, white, imprinted with 3080, G

Azithromycin 600 mg-MYL

oblong, blue, imprinted with M535

Azithromycin 600 mg-TEV

oval, white, imprinted with 93, 7147

Zithromax 250 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with PFIZER, 306

Zithromax 600 mg

oval, white, imprinted with 308, PFIZER

What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using azithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
• chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• stomach pain or upset;
• dizziness, tired feeling, or headache;
• nervous feeling, sleep problems (insomnia);
• vaginal itching or discharge;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• ringing in your ears, problems with hearing; or
• decreased sense of taste or smell.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Zmax (azithromycin) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin?

You should not use this medication if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin. You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it or to similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or troleandomycin (Tao).

There are many other medicines that can interact with azithromycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.