Zithromax is an antibiotic that helps clear the body of bacterial infections. It’s prescribed for a range of infections, including respiratory, ear, skin, and sexually transmitted.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Zithromax exactly as prescribed.

• Take with or without food.
• Use the entire prescribed course of Zithromax, even if your symptoms improve quickly. Skipping doses or stopping your prescription early can contribute to antibiotic-resistant infections.

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium can make Zithromax less effective. Don’t use these products within 2 hours of taking Zithromax.

Zithromax can make you more prone to sunburn. Wear proper SPF and avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds while on Zithromax.

Before taking Zithromax, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Heart rhythm disorder
• Low potassium levels
• Myasthenia gravis
• Long QT syndrome

Common side effects of Zithromax include:

• Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain
• Headache

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• Signs of a drug reaction – fever, rash, muscle aches, weakness, bruising, jaundice
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Severe stomach pain
• Shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, sudden dizziness
• Liver problems – jaundice, dark urine, upper abdominal pain, nausea, clay-colored stools

Can I take Zithromax if I have a cold?

No. Zithromax does not treat viral infections like cold or flu.

My infection seems to have cleared. Can I stop taking Zithromax and save the pills in case I need them again?

It’s important to finish your entire prescribed course of Zithromax. Improved symptoms don’t mean that your infection has completely cleared, and may cause treatment-resistant infections in the future.