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Zithromax...The Facts

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Zithromax (azithromycin, Z-pack)

From Mark Cichocki, R.N.,
Your Guide to AIDS / HIV.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Susan Olender, MD
Classification:
Antibiotic used to decrease the risk of becoming infected with MAC (mycobacterium avium complex)

A Guide to MAC

Form:
  • 250mg tablets
  • 500mg tablets
  • 600mg tablets

Typical Dosages:
  • Prophylaxis - (20 600mg tablets for a total of 1200mg once per week
  • Treat Infections - (1) 500mg tablet once daily for five days - often this dose is pre-packaged as a "Z-pack"

    Important Note! - dosages and routes of administration may depending on the type of infection and the age of the individual being treated (child vs. adult)

Special Instructions:
  • Take dose 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
    Important Note - Zithromax must be taken on an empty stomach
  • Notify your doctor of all medications being taken prior to starting Zithromax.

Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Indigestion

Medication Side Effects and How to Treat Them

Serious Reaction: Important Warning! - There is a chance that users can have a serious allergic reaction know as a hypersensitivity reaction. Symptoms of hypersensitivity include:
  • facial swelling
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • red rash.

Important Instructions! - If you develop any of these symptoms stop Zithromax immediately and call your physician.

Drug Interactions and Incompatibility:
  • Do not take with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium such as Di-gel or Maalox.

More Information:
For more information on Zithromax, try About.com's Drug Finder

Sources

Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia - 2004 Classic Shirt Pocket Edition; Tarascon Publishing; Lompoc, CA; Copyright 1987-2004.

Updated: January 13, 2008
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