Zmax (Azithromycin)

Pfizer, Inc

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Macrolides

Bacterial Infections

Azithromycin extended-release suspension is used to treat certain bacterial infections (including sinusitis, pneumonia). It is a macrolide-type antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This medication will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking azithromycin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Shake the suspension well before using. Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). For adults, take this medication as directed by your doctor, usually the whole bottle all at once as a single dose. For children, the dose is based on your child's weight. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Discard any remaining suspension. If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking this medication, call your doctor for further instructions about a second dose or switching to another antibiotic. Unlike other azithromycin products, this extended-release suspension may be taken with antacids without affecting its absorption.

Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hearing changes (such as decreased hearing, deafness), eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), difficulty speaking/swallowing, muscle weakness, signs of liver problems (such as unusual tiredness, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting. This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have any of the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. An allergic reaction to this medication may return even if you stop the drug. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to watch for any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: live bacterial vaccines. Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring, a few antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal birth control, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Many drugs besides azithromycin may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Not applicable.

Store the suspension at room temperature. Do not refrigerate, freeze, or store it in the bathroom. Take the suspension within 12 hours after it is mixed. For children, discard any remaining suspension after the dose is taken. Keep all medications away from children and pets.