Zithromax Dispersible (azithromycin)
Zithromax Dispersible is a macrolide antibiotic. It is related to erythromycin. It helps in curing bacterial infections in the body. It's generic name is azithromycin. It is available as 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg as well as 1000 mg tablets.
It is not used to treat viral infections like flu or common cold.
Uses
Zithromax is used to treat certain bacterial infections. It works great against several gram- positive as well as gram- negative bacteria. It is used to treat:
- Respiratory infections
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Middle ear infection in children
- Pneumonia in children
- Tonsillitis in children
- Strep throat in children
Dosage
The dosage of Zithromax Dispersible (azithromycin) can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the infection, and other individual factors. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the prescribed label.
For pediatric patients, the dosage of Zithromax Dispersible is usually based on body weight. The recommended dosage for most infections is 10 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight, taken once daily for three days. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 500 mg.
Zithromax Dispersible should be dissolved in a small amount of water or other beverage before administration. Stir well to ensure the complete dispersion of the medication. The dose should be taken immediately after mixing.
Side Effects
Like every other drug, Zithromax also has a few side effects like:
- Allergic reactions that manifest as hives, rashes, difficulty in breathing, swelling on tongue, lips, throat and face.
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Uneven heartbeat
- Pain in chest
- Severe nausea
- Pain in stomach
- Low fever
- Dark urine
- Clay colored stools
- Loss of appetite
- Low grade fever
- Jaundice
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Blistering, peeling and also red rashes.
The above mentioned side effects are a little serious and require medical attention. Some less serious side- effects are:
- Mild nausea
- Vomiting
- Mild diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Dizziness
- Mild itching
- Skin rashes
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Decreased sense of smell and taste
- Ringing in ears
- Hearing problems
- Upset stomach or stomach ache
- Fatigue
Contraindications
There are several conditions the use of Zithromax is totally inhibited. You must not take Zithromax if you are:
Allergic to azithromycin or other drugs like erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin or telithromycin.
Tell your doctor if you are already taking medications like minerals, vitamins, herbal products etc. Also, do not consume antacids that have magnesium or aluminum(like Rolaids, Mylanta, Maalox, Pepcid Complete, Milk of Magnesia, etc) within two hours before or after taking Zithromax.
You must discuss it with your doctor if you have any hepatic or kidney disease, hearth rhythm disorder, history of Long QT or myasthenia gravis.
Pregnancy and Zithromax
Do not take Zithromax if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant during the course of this drug. It is known to harm the baby of taken during pregnancy.
It is still not if this drug passes into the breast milk, but it is better to avoid it to be on a safer side.
Mode of Ingestion
Zithromax must be taken on an empty stomach about 1 hour before or about 2 hours after having meal.
