An Overview of Azithromycin (Zithromax)

az-ith-roe-MYE-sin

Brand Name: Zithromax
Other Name(s): Arithromicina, Azitromicina, Sumamed
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs

Azithromycin, also known as Zithromax, belongs to the class of medicines known as antibacterials or antibiotics. These medicines kill bacteria (small organisms that can cause infection in humans) or stop bacteria from growing.

Indications and Usage

Patients with weakened immune systems, including people with HIV, tend to have more frequent and more serious bacterial infections. Azithromycin was approved by the FDA on June 14, 1996, for many uses, including the prevention and treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in persons with advanced HIV infection. It is also being investigated to see how well it works in preventing other kinds of bacterial infections in people with HIV.

Dosage Form/Administration

Azithromycin comes in capsule, oral suspension, and tablet forms that are taken by mouth and in liquid form that is given by intravenous infusion into a vein. The capsule and oral suspension forms should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. The tablet form may be taken with food.

Contraindications

Individuals who have liver or kidney disease should tell a doctor before taking this medicine. This medicine may not be appropriate for patients with pneumonia.

Possible Side Effects

Along with its desired effects, azithromycin may cause some serious unwanted effects. Treatment with this medicine should be stopped and a doctor should be notified right away if the patient has any of the following after receiving the intravenous form of azithromycin: pain, redness, and swelling where the injection was given. In a few rare cases, azithromycin has caused severe reactions. Individuals should stop taking this medicine and notify a doctor right away if they have any of the following symptoms of a severe reaction: abdominal tenderness; diarrhea (severe and watery or bloody); fever; joint pain; severe stomach cramps or pain; skin rash; swelling of face, mouth, neck, hands, and feet; or trouble breathing.Other side effects may not be serious and may lessen or disappear with continued use of azithromycin. Less serious side effects include mild diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting. Individuals should tell a doctor if these side effects continue or are bothersome.

Drug Interactions

A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), and herbal medications, especially antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium.

Clinical Trials

Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Azithromycin.

Manufacturer Information

Azithromycin
Pfizer Inc
235 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017-5755
Phone: 800-438-1985

Zithromax
Pfizer Inc
235 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017-5755
Phone: 800-438-1985