Zithromax Suspension (Azithromycin)

Do’s:

• Take Zithromax Suspension exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily with or without food.
• Shake the suspension thoroughly before each use.
• Use the provided measuring device/spoon, not a household spoon, to ensure the correct dose.
• Take Zithromax at evenly spaced times each day, ideally at the same time(s) to maintain consistent levels in your body.
• Continue taking Zithromax for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Stopping early can lead to recurrence.
• If you take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking Zithromax to avoid decreased absorption.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or persists after taking Zithromax.

Don'ts:

• Don't adjust your dosage or treatment schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take Zithromax past its expiration date.
• Don't  skip doses. Skipping doses can reduce Zithromax's effectiveness and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
• Don't use leftover Zithromax suspension for future illnesses without consulting your healthcare provider. Each prescription is intended for a specific infection.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Loose stools
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Changes to the sense of taste
• Dizziness or tiredness
• Skin rash
• Abdominal pain
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Ringing in the ears
• Yeast overgrowth leading to vaginal itchiness

Serious Side Effects:

• Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Faster or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine (signs of liver or gallbladder problems)
• Skin, tongue, or lips turning blue, grey, or pale
• Hearing changes (such as decreased hearing, deafness)
• Eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision)
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Signs of lactic acidosis: deep/rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea/vomiting
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: fever, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea due to resistant bacteria
• Methemoglobinemia (a serious blood problem where red blood cells cannot bring enough oxygen to the body)
• Intestinal condition due to resistant bacteria

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Zithromax suspension, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to azithromycin, other macrolide antibiotics, or any ingredients in Zithromax Suspension.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Zithromax Suspension, especially:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)

Azithromycin may affect your heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This can cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention (severe dizziness, fainting).

Certain medical conditions or medications can increase the risk of QT prolongation with Zithromax. Tell your healthcare provider about:

• Existing heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation)
• Family history of heart problems (QT prolongation, sudden cardiac death)
• Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium)

Zithromax may interfere with the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines. Discuss any planned vaccinations with your healthcare provider before using Zithromax.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Zithromax Suspension, before having surgery.

Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects like QT prolongation.

Infants younger than 6 weeks may be at higher risk for a serious stomach problem. Contact your healthcare provider if your baby vomits or becomes irritable while feeding.

Zithromax should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Zithromax passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider about breastfeeding while using this medication.