Zithromax Suspension (Azithromycin)

Description

Indications

Azithromycin is prescribed to address specific bacterial infections encompassing conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and infections affecting various areas such as the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. It is also employed in the treatment or prevention of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, a lung infection commonly affecting individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Azithromycin belongs to a class of medications known as macrolide antibiotics, working by halting the growth of bacteria.

Uses and Dosage

Azithromycin is available in tablet, extended-release (long-acting) suspension (liquid), and regular suspension (liquid) forms for oral administration. The tablets and suspension (Zithromax) are typically taken with or without food once a day for 1-5 days. For the prevention of disseminated MAC infection, azithromycin tablets are usually taken once weekly with or without food. The extended-release suspension (Zmax) is usually taken on an empty stomach as a one-time dose. Take azithromycin at the same time each day to enhance consistency.

Take azithromycin exactly as prescribed; do not alter the dosage or frequency without your doctor’s approval.

Shake the liquid well before each use to ensure even distribution of the medication. Utilize a dosing spoon, oral syringe, or measuring cup to measure the correct amount of medication, and rinse the measuring device with water after completing the full dose.

For the single-dose, 1-gram packet of azithromycin powder for suspension (Zithromax), mix the contents with 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water in a glass. Consume the entire mixture immediately, then add an additional 1/4 cup (60 mL) of water to the same glass, mix, and consume the entire contents to ensure the entire dose is taken.

If you receive azithromycin extended-release suspension as a dry powder, add water to the bottle before taking the medication. Shake well and use it within 12 hours of receiving it from the pharmacy or after adding water to the powder.

Contact your doctor if you vomit within an hour after taking azithromycin. Your doctor will advise whether you need to take another dose; do not take an additional dose unless instructed by your doctor.

Symptoms should improve during the first few days of treatment. If they persist or worsen, contact your doctor.

Complete the full course of azithromycin as prescribed, even if you start feeling better. Do not cease the medication prematurely, unless severe side effects occur. Stopping or skipping doses prematurely may result in incomplete treatment, allowing bacteria to develop resistance to antibiotics.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• headache

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• fainting
• rash with or without a fever
• blisters or peeling
• fever and pus-filled, blister-like sores, redness, and swelling of the skin
• hives
• itching
• wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• vomiting or irritability while feeding (in infants less than 6 weeks old)
• severe diarrhea (watery or bloody stools) that may occur with or without fever and stomach cramps (may occur up to 2 months or more after your treatment)
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• extreme tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• flu-like symptoms
• dark-colored urine
• unusual muscle weakness or difficulty with muscle control
• pink and swollen eyes

Caution

• Before taking azithromycin, it’s crucial to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have, including allergies to other antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin. Inactive ingredients in the product may also trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
• Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or a certain muscle disease known as myasthenia gravis.
• Azithromycin may lead to a condition affecting the heart rhythm known as QT prolongation. This can occasionally result in serious, rarely fatal, fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting that require immediate medical attention.
• The risk of QT prolongation may be elevated if you have specific medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using azithromycin, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you are taking and whether you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), or a family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be heightened if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discuss the safe use of azithromycin with your doctor.
• Azithromycin may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine. Notify your healthcare professional that you are using azithromycin before undergoing any immunizations or vaccinations.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
• In babies, especially those younger than 6 weeks, there may be a higher risk for a specific serious stomach problem. Contact your child’s doctor promptly if your child vomits or becomes irritable with feeding.
• During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
• This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Zithromax Suspension is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Zithromax Suspension oral suspension:
  • 100 mg / 5 mL
  • 200 mg / 5 mL

FAQ

Can I take Zithromax if I’m allergic to penicillin?

Yes, you can safely take Zithromax even if you’re allergic to penicillin. Zithromax is a macrolide antibiotic while penicillin is a beta-lactam antibiotic.

Does Zithromax treat diarrhea?

Zithromax isn’t FDA-approved to treat diarrhea. But sometimes providers can prescribe this medication to treat severe travelers’ diarrhea.

Resources

1. https://www.goodrx.com/azithromycin/what-is#faqs
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/azithromycin-oral-route/description/drg-20072362
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1322-5223/zithromax-oral/azithromycin-suspension-oral/details
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697037.html
5. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/azithromycin-suspension-oral
6. https://www.drugs.com/pro/azithromycin-oral-suspension.html