Zithromax (Azithromycin 200mg/5ml)

Zithromax general information

What is Zithromax used for?

Zithromax oral suspension 200mg/5ml is used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections in adults and children, caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.  These include lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus or Haemophilus, such as pneumonia and bronchitis; also upper respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media (ear infection); skin and soft tissue infections like folliculitis and cellulitis, abscess and ulcers caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus; sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia, including urethritis and cervicitis; pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).  Zithromax oral suspension is also used to prevent opportunistic infection (bacteria that lie dormant until activated by low immunity) with Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare complex (MAC) in people with HIV.

How does Zithromax work?

Zithromax oral suspension contains azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, which is a sub-class of the macrolides.  Azithromycin in Zithromax oral suspension prevents the spread of bacterial infection by blocking bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot produce proteins that are needed for its growth.  This action stops the growth and spread of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain.  Zithromax oral suspension does not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate.  

What does Zithromax contain?

Zithromax oral suspension contains the active ingredient azithromycin dihydrate, an antibiotic used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.  The powder for oral suspension also contains sucrose, sodium phosphate-tribasic anhydrous, hydroxypropylcellulose, xanthan gum, cherry flavour, banana flavour and vanilla flavour.  When 9ml water is added to the bottle containing 600mg powder, the final concentration of is 200mg/5ml

Treating bacterial infection with Zithromax

Zithromax oral suspension contain azithromycin, an antibiotic belonging to the azalides group, used to treat a variety of mild to moderate infections in adults and children, caused by certain susceptible types of bacteria in different areas of the body.  These infections include lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia and bronchitis; also upper respiratory tract infections like tonsillitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis and otitis media (ear infection); skin and soft tissue infections like folliculitis and cellulitis; abscess and ulcers; sexually transmitted diseases, including urethritis and cervicitis; pelvic inflammatory disease (infection and inflammation of uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries).  Zithromax oral suspension is also used to prevent opportunistic infection (bacteria that lie dormant until activated by low immunity) with Mycobacterium Avium-Intracellulare complex (MAC) in people with HIV.  Azithromycin in Zithromax oral suspension prevents the spread of bacterial infection by blocking bacterial protein synthesis so that the bacteria cannot produce proteins that are needed for its growth.  This action stops the growth and spread of the bacteria and relieves symptoms of the bacterial infection, which include inflammation and pain.  Zithromax oral suspension does not work against viruses which use a different mechanism to grow and replicate. 

What are the side effects of Zithromax?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Zithromax Zithromax oral suspension include diarrhoea, nausea, cramping abdominal pain and flatulence.  Other mild to moderate side effects include vomiting headache, dizziness and oral thrush (white, furry, sore tongue and mouth). 

When should Zithromax not be used?

You should not use Zithromax oral suspension if you:

• are allergic to azithromycin or any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic or any ingredients in Zithromax
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have QT prolongation, have irregular heart beat or other heart problems
• have diabetes, hereditary fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or saccharase-isomaltase deficiency
• are taking medicines that interact with Zithromax including the immunosuppressant cyclosporin, digoxin for heart failure, antacids for indigestion, ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines

What medications interact with Zithromax?

Several medications interact with Zithromax oral suspension and should either not be taken while you are taking Zithromax or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that decrease effectiveness with Zithromax: antacids for indigestion (should be taken1 or 2 hours after Arrow-Azithromycin; ergot derivatives such as ergotamine for migraines
• Drugs that are affected by Zithromax: the immunosuppressant cyclosporine, digoxin for heart failure,

How should Zithromax be taken?

You should take your Zithromax oral suspension by following the instructions provided.  Dissolve the powder by adding 9 mL of water using the syringe provided to make up 15mL suspension.  Shake well to allow the powder to form a suspension.  When ready to use, shake again and measure out the correct dose, as instructed by your doctor.  The dose for children depends on their body weight.  Once made up, use within 10 days then discard the bottle.  You should take your Zithromax oral suspension as a single daily dose and with food.  The dose you take and for how long for depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations.  You should continue to take your Zithromax oral suspension for as long as recommended by your doctor, which is usually for three days or longer up to several weeks, and always finish your course prescribed even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely. 

How long should you take Zithromax?

You should continue to take your Zithromax oral suspension for as long as recommended by your doctor, which is usually for three days or longer up to several weeks, and always finish your course prescribed even if you feel better, if not, the infection may not clear up completely. 

Missed dose of Zithromax

If you miss a dose of Zithromax oral suspension take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Zithromax be stored?

You should store your Zithromax oral suspension below 25°C in a cool dry place.