Generic name:azithromycin [ a-ZITH-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Zithromax, Zmax
Drug class:Macrolides
What is Zithromax?
Zithromax is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.
Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria Zithromax should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Warnings
You should not use Zithromax if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Zithromax if you are allergic to azithromycin, or if:
you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Zithromax; or
you are allergic to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.
To make sure Zithromax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
low levels of potassium in your blood; or
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).
Zithromax is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give Zithromax to a child younger than 6 months old.
