Zithromax is a medication you may have heard of (or used) before. However, do you know what it contains? Do you know what its applications are? What about benefits and side effects? If the previous is a mystery to you, then keep reading. We’ll break down what is below!

(First) – How Zithromax Works

Zithromax is just a brand name. Its real name is azithromycin, and is part of the medicinal class called “macrolide antibiotics.”

The compound is used to stop bacteria from creating certain harmful proteins. It’s mainly used to treat the following bacterial infections:

Chlamydia trachomatis
intracellulare
Mycobacterium avium

(Second) – Benefits and Detailed Uses

Zithromax treats the following:

Combats susceptible bacteria that may affects the ears, skin, and lungs
Treats certain sexually transmitted diseases, though it isn’t reliable for the treatment of syphilis or gonorrhea
Used specifically to treat mycobacterium avium in HIV patients, and is sometimes used in combination with other antibiotics
Penetrates well into human tissue, and is active against a multitude of microorganisms
Is better tolerated than alternative medicines and has better tissue penetration than other antibiotics, such as erythromycin
Maybe used to combat bacterial infections in penicillin intolerant individuals
Can be administered once per day, making it an easy habit

(Third) – Side Effects and Negatives

The following side effects may be experienced by those between 18-60, lack medical conditions, and are not on other medications:

Liver damage that may stop liver functioning, often to fatal levels. Zithromax cannot be used if liver dysfunction signs manifest

Headaches, fatigue, flatulence, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea

Diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile is another side effect of almost every antibacterial agent. Medication should be stopped for those prone to severe diarrhea

May affect heartbeat rhythm, leading to cardiac arrhythmias.

Risks increase in those with histories of QT prolongation, those with low magnesium and potassium levels in blood, and for patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications (like procainamide, admiodarone, sotalol)

Can lead to photosensitive and acute skin reactions. Should be discontinued if rashes develop

Can interact with other medicines (such as nelfinavir and warfarin)

(Fourth) – Zithromax in Summation

It’s an antibiotic that can treat different infections. It seems to better penetrate human tissue, and is more tolerable than similar treatments. However, its main advantage is the dosage. Patients only need to take it once a day, with side effects not common (though diarrhea may occur occasionally).

(Finally) – Some Tips for Zithromax Use

You can take it before or after a meal, however it is better tolerated if used after

Never ingest magnesium or aluminum containing antacids with Zithromax

Should be stopped immediately if an allergic reaction is triggered. Seek immediate medical advice

Follow the prescription instructions and finish the course as given by your doctor, even if you experience immediate recovery. Stopping doses or not finishing treatment reduces its effectiveness and promote bacterial resistance

While diarrhea does occur often with Zithromax, be sure to contact your doctor if the diarrhea contains blood that is excessively watery. Diarrhea may sometimes occur 1-2 months after beginning or ending a Zithromax course

Author: , graduated from the Tulane University School of Medicine in 2003. She works in Houma, LA and 1 other location and specializes in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Mutter is affiliated with Leonard J Chabert Medical Center.

Share this:Like this:Like Loading…
Related