Zithromax

Zithromax Prescribing Information

In our day to day life with the kind of environment that we reside in, the risk of contracting any form of bacterial infection is not something uncommon, rather, quite the opposite. While we often times tend to forego the signs and symptoms concerning any form of infection as something trivial and not serious enough, their implications can be very severe, if not tended to properly.

With all that being said, it is beneficial to ensure that one gets something prescribed for these kinds of health issues and the drug, Zithromax, is definitely one of them.

In this article, we are going to be focusing on the various aspects of the drug, from a quick basic introduction to the dosage and obviously, the side effects one needs to be aware of.

What is Zithromax?

Zithromax is nothing but azithromycin tablets or oral suspension, in which, the main active compound is azithromycin which has antibacterial properties on the body when given in oral administration.

The one thing that majority of people do is confuse azithromycin with erythromycin and while the former has been derived from the latter, their effects and implications are not the same. Azithromycin has a chemically different structure than erythromycin in the fact that it contains an extra methyl-substituted nitrogen atom into the lactone ring.

The molecular formula of Azithromycin is C38H72N2O12 and a considerable molecular weight of 749.0. The Zithromax tablets contain the azithromycin dihydrate equivalent in them. Apart from the azithromycin present as the primary ingredient, some of the other compounds present in Zithromax include the following:

• Dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous
• Sodium croscarmellose
• Magnesium stearate
• Pregelatinized Starch
• Titanium dioxide
• Lactose
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Triacetin

Majorly used as an oral suspension, this specific drug is generally available in the single packet which contains azithromycin dihydrate in equivalent to 1 gm of azithromycin. Apart from the basic yet active ingredients as mentioned before, there are some inactive compounds that are also found in the Zithromax tablets, some of them which include:

• Colloidal silicon dioxide
• Anhydrous spray dried artificial banana flavour
• Spray dried artificial cherry flavor
• Sodium phosphate tribasic
• Sucrose.

What is Zithromax administered for?

Now, the main question that the majority of the people would want to know – what is Zithromax even prescribed and administered for?

If you missed out before, Zithromax is a macrolide antibacterial drug which is prescribed for the treatment of any form of bacterial infection that is caused by a susceptible bacteria. This drug is administered to patients who have contracted mild to moderate forms of infection induced by any kind of susceptible bacteria.

Some of the common types of diseases that witness the administration of this drug are enlisted below.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Some of the common types of bacterial infections induced in cervicitis and Non-gonococcal urethritis which is caused because of the interaction with Chlamydia trachomatis.

Mycobacterial infections

Zithromax, for any form of Mycobacterial infections, is always administered with yet another form of the drug for effective results and impacts. For example, Zithromax is taken in collaboration with rifabutin for the treatment in any form of disseminated MAC disease in patients who suffer from excessive stages in the HIV infection.

Alternatively, Zithromax is also taken with ethambutol, form the treatment of disseminated MAC infections in HIV positive patients.

What are the dosage specifications of Zithromax?

Zithromax is an oral suspension that is often administered with or even without food, depending on the prescription. It often comes in a single dosage of 1 gm packet which can be consumed either along with food or after the consumption or just as it is.

It is very important to understand that the single dosage packs which contain 1 gm of the active drug compounds are not suitable for children or for pediatric use for that matter, it is very important to ensure that one consults a designated pediatric doctor before proceeding with the administration of the single dosage packs to children.

Directions of administration:

This is very important to abide by because any kind of alterations in the dosage can inflict negative impacts. Be very careful with the dosage and make sure to follow the below-mentioned steps carefully.

• Mix the entire content inside the packet with 2 ounces (60 ml) of water in a cup/glass.
• Make sure that the medicines dissolves completely and then drink the contents
• Once done, add 60 ml of more water in the glass and stir and drink the water to ensure that it mops up all the medicine from the side of the glass.

For the drug to be administered in the tablet form, make sure you consume the 600 mg tablets for similar benefits. These tablets are white and often times oval shaped which are equivalent to 600 mg of azithromycin and contains azithromycin dihydrate.

Apart from all the information concerning the dosage, it is very important to ensure that one stores the medicine in a cool and dry place. It shouldn’t be anywhere more than 30°C because the same can have negative implications for the drug.

Side effects of Zithromax

The last but not the least is to discuss the common side effects concerning the drug. While it is definitely one of the most prescribed drugs for treating bacterial infections, it has his share of side effects too, some of which are mentioned below.

Possible signs of allergy

Any implications of hives, rashes, itching, swelling in the face and throat or even difficulty in breathing should be reached out to the doctor immediately without second thoughts.

Skin reactions

Some of the possible skin reactions like skin pain, red skin, inflammation of the skin, burning in the eyes, or even the presence of red or purple skin rashes could be a significant sign and side effect of Zithromax.

Stomach issues

Many patients often tend to complain about stomach issues, like pain, bloating or the accessory problems as well when they consumed the drug. If the condition persists, it is better to consult a doctor for the same.

Zithromax is a widely prescribed and administered the antibacterial drug. It is always suggested to ensure doctor advice before its consumption and not blindly reach for it.