Zithromax

Zithromax is the brand name for the generic drug azithromycin, a type of macrolide antibiotics that is used to treat certain forms of bacteria causing infections. The drug is usually used in treating infections in the ear, throat, lungs, and skin as well as sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, it is also used in preventing mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), an infection that hits people with human immunodeficiency virus or HIV.

The prescription antibiotic zithromax actually works by decreasing the ability of the bacteria to make more protein and disabling its peptide activity that allows the infection-causing bacterium to exist. The drug is safe to humans since they have a different mechanism with bacteria in producing proteins. The macrolide antibiotics in Zithromax, therefore, do not interfere with protein production of humans. The drug, moreover, stays quite a while in the body making once a day dosing or shorter treatment for infections more possible compared with other drugs.

Zithromax is available in tablet and liquid suspension forms, which could be used in both children and adults. It also comes in several brand names including Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-PAK, and Zmax. Zithromax tablets come in strengths of 250 mg, 500 mg, and 600 mg while Zithromax liquid suspensions are in 100 mg, 200 mg, and 1-gram powder packet. The drug may also be given by injection in treating severe pneumonia or pelvic inflammatory disease. This, however, only happens in a hospital setting under the supervision or warrant of a health professional. Doses of the drug, moreover, vary according to the condition being treated.

The recommended Zithromax dosage for treating common types of bacterial infections, for instance, is 250 mg or 500 mg to be maintained in three to five days. Sexually transmitted diseases, on the other hand, require a dose of 1 mg to 2 mg given one time only. Various factors such as age, body weight, medical history, and current medications have also to be considered in determining which strength should be part of your dosage, which is best to be consulted with your doctor.

With or without food, Zithromax is safe to be taken. Just drink a full glass of water with each dose and avoid breaking or chewing the drug in your mouth specifically the tablet form. It would also be more effective, however, to take the drug at least one hour before or two hours after a meal to avoid binding it with your food that would make impossible for the intestine to absorb the drug. The same effect will occur if the drug will be taken at the same time with aluminum or magnesium based antacids. So avoid taking Zithromax if you’re taking Mylanta or Maalox.

It is also advised to strictly follow the dosage prescribed by the doctor and to continue the medication even if you feel better. As much as possible avoid missing a dose. In case you did, just continue to the next scheduled time of dosing the medicine but never resort to double dosing to make up for the missed dose.

Zithromax, just like any other medicines, can trigger some side effects in your body. This doesn’t mean, however, that everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Common side effects of Zithromax include diarrhea or loose bowels, nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain and headache. More serious but rare side effects can also happen such as nervousness, allergic reactions, and abnormal liver tests.

Although Zithromax has long proven its effective results in relieving or treating bacterial and sexually transmitted diseases, it is still proper to be conscious in your diet, hygiene, and physical activity. Regular check-up or consultation with your doctor is also best advised.