Azithromycin Generic

Common Use

Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin. It is active against most species of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms such as Staphylococcus genus; S. aureus, S. pneumonia, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, Haemophilus influenza and parainfluenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Bordetella spp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Haemophilus decree, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachoma. In vitro, it showed activity against Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumonia hominis, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondii, Ureaplasma urealiticum. As a macrolide antibiotic, Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and prevents bacteria from growth and propagation. It is used to treat infections of the upper and lower respiratory organs (tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, pneumonia), urogenital infections (urethritis, prostatitis, cervicitis, adnexitis caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, early syphilis), intestinal infections, and ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

Dosage and Directions

Take Azithromycin exactly as prescribed and do not discontinue your treatment even if you feel fine and your symptoms improve without your doctor’s permission. Take the Azithromycin tablet with a large glass of water. To prepare a liquid suspension, mix one dose packet with 2 ounces of water, shake, and drink immediately. Do not use the suspension if it was prepared more than 12 hours ago. Tablets and suspensions can be taken with or without food, while capsules should be taken on an empty stomach 2 hours before or after a meal.

Precautions

There is no evidence that Azithromycin affects an unborn baby or is excreted in breast milk. This medication should be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the baby.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Azithromycin and related drugs such as azithromycin or erythromycin.

Possible Side Effects

• diarrhea or loose stools
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• vomiting
• uneven heartbeats
• loss of appetite
• dark urine
• clay-colored stools
• jaundice
• fever
• rash
• red skin
• headache

Contact your doctor and report these symptoms or seek immediate medical attention.

Drug Interaction

Azithromycin should not be taken with aluminum- or magnesium-based antacids, such as Mylanta or Maalox, as they decrease its absorption in the intestine.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. Seek immediate medical attention.

Storage

Store your medicines at room temperature between 59-77°F (15-25°C) away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store the liquid for longer than 10 days.