ZITHROMAX

What to do if you missed your ZITHROMAX dose

Other known brand names

Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak

About Zithromax

Zithromax, manufactured by Pfizer, contains azithromycin as its active ingredient. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including chlamydia and community-acquired pneumonia. It is also used to treat infections such as disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex, pneumonia, ear infections, lungs, sinuses, tonsillitis, and skin. Azithromycin is also effective for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through its ability to block inflammatory processes.

NowPatient offers Zithromax as generic azithromycin or as the branded Zithromax as a treatment for chlamydia only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Zithromax

• Zithromax is an antibacterial that can clear chlamydia within 7 days
• Zithromax will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections
• Zithromax has some common side effects which include abdominal pain and diarrhoea
• It can be dangerous if you take Zithromax with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
• Do not take antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Zithromax

Who is Zithromax not suitable for?

Zithromax may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Zithromax if you:

• Are allergic to azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin
• Have low magnesium or potassium blood levels
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have ever had jaundice or other liver problems because of taking azithromycin
• Have heart failure or a family history of prolonged QT interval (a heart problem which may cause an irregular heartbeat, fainting, or death)
• Are taking any ergot derivatives

How and where to get Zithromax?

Zithromax is available only with a prescription. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Zithromax directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of chlamydia, you can discuss if Zithromax is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Zithromax for chlamydia

Zithromax is available as film-coated tablets or capsules when used for chlamydia. It is available in strengths ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg. The dosage of Zithromax to treat chlamydia consists of taking two 500mg tablets at the same time followed by 500mg on the following two days.

Information about how to take Zithromax for chlamydia

Take two Zithromax 500 mg tablets as a single dose, then 500mg once daily for two days. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking azithromycin oral suspension, take 25mls orally as a single dose, then 12.5ml once daily for two days.

Read the patient information leaflet provided, before taking Zithromax and always take it as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

What happens if you take too much Zithromax?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Zithromax and you experience any of the following side effects:

What are the side effects of Zithromax?

Side effects of azithromycin are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence

Serious side effects include:

• Severe skin reactions such as hives, severe or itchy skin rash, blistering and soreness of the eyes, mouth or genital organs
• Bloody diarrhoea, with stomach pain or fever
• Liver problems – upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, unusual tiredness, chest pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Blood in your urine
• Sensitivity to sunlight causing skin rash
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Changes to heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
• Cardiovascular death

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a life-threatening allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or having trouble breathing (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking Zithromax at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Zithromax. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor what other prescription drugs or nonprescription medications you are taking, such as:

• Warfarin
• Digoxin
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium hydroxide

Can Zithromax taken for chlamydia be taken long-term?

Zithromax will clear chlamydia within 7 days. Speak to your doctor if symptoms still persist after 7 days.

Is there a herbal Zithromax?

No. Herbal Zithromax does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Zithromax?

Women can take Zithromax for the treatment of chlamydia. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before starting treatment with Zithromax.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Zithromax?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Zithromax. However, do not drink alcohol if Zithromax makes you feel dizzy, as it will make you feel worse.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with chlamydia?

• Use a condom when having vaginal, anal or oral sex
• Do not share sex toys
• Use a dam to cover female genitals during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together

Alternatives to Zithromax

An alternative for the treatment of chlamydia is doxycycline.

Sources

• Azithromycin: antibiotic to treat bacterial infections – NHS
• Chlamydia – Treatment – NHS