Understanding Zithromax. Zithromax: uses Zithromax is an antibiotic ( macrolide-type ) used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It'll not work for viral infections ( e. g. , common cold, flu ) . Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness. Zithromax: how to use Take Zithromax by mouth with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor. We may take Zithromax with food if stomach upset occurs. Antibiotics work best when amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take Zithromax at same time each day. Continue to take Zithromax until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of infection. Antacids may decrease absorption of Zithromax. If we take an antacid, wait at least 2 hours after taking this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Zithromax: side effects Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or stomach/abdominal pain may occur while use Zithromax. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed Zithromax because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Zithromax do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: Zithromax may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition ( pseudomembranous colitis ) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while use Zithromax weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if we develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. Use of Zithromax for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new vaginal yeast infection ( oral or vaginal fungal infection ) . Contact your doctor if we notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms. A serious allergic reaction to Zithromax is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: An allergic reaction to Zithromax may return even if you stop drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of above symptoms for several days after your last dose. This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Zithromax: precautions Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or to other macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin; or if we have any other allergies. Before using Zithromax, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: Zithromax should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Zithromax passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Zithromax: interactions See also How to Use section. Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using Zithromax, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of: Zithromax may decrease effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. This can result in pregnancy. We may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Other drugs besides Zithromax which may affect the heart rhythm ( QTc prolongation in the EKG ) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, propafenone, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and for instructions on how you may reduce your risk of this effect. This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Zithromax, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Zithromax: overdose If overdose of Zithromax is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe or persistent diarrhea. Zithromax: notes Don't share Zithromax with others. Zithromax has been prescribed for your current condition only. Don't use it later for another infection unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Zithromax: missed dose If we miss a dose Zithromax, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near time of the next dose, skip missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Zithromax to catch up. Zithromax: storage Store Zithromax at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Don't store Zithromax in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Properly discard Zithromax when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
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FDA 101: How to Use the Consumer Complaint System and MedWatch. When you have a problem with a food, drug, or other FDA-regulated product, FDA wants to hear from you. Here's how to report problems using two of FDA's main reporting systems. My Medicines - This Brochure Can be a Lifesaver. My Medicines, the title of a brochure offered by FDA's Office of Women's Health, can play a vital role in the medical treatment you receive during an emergency. OTC Cough and Cold Products: Not For Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age,
Questions and Answers for Consumers. FDA strongly recommends that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used in infants and children under 2 years of age.
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