1. How does Zithromax work?
2. Zithromax Dosage and Administration
3. Possible side-effects of Zithromax

Possible side-effects of Zithromax

Like with other prescription medicines, Zithromax may cause certain side effects to develop. Inform your doctor or pharmacist in case you experience one of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea or loose stools, nausea or vomiting.

When treating sexually transmitted diseases with Zithromax, the doctor is likely to prescribe a single large dose of the drug that may cause stomach and bowel side effects.

Don't ever take Zithromax if you have a history of an allergic reaction to it, its components or any similar antibiotic such as erythromycin (E.E.S., PCE, and others).

Like some other drugs, Zithromax can induce a severe form of diarrhea called pseudomembranous colitis. Pseudomembranous colitis may cease its manifestation spontaneously when you finish the treatment. Otherwise, it may require a hospital treatment because it can be fatal. If you have diarrhea caused by Zithromax, make sure to contact your doctor immediately. If you have liver issues, you should also talk with your doctor about using Zithromax.

You should never take Zithromax with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta.

Like with any other prescription medicine, Zithromax may increase, reduce or alter its effectiveness if taken with certain other drugs. Consult with your doctor or a pharmacist in case you may combine Zithromax with the following drugs:

Nelfinavir (Viracept)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps)
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and D.H.E.
Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune)
Hexobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and consider taking a course of Zithromax. The drug should be taken during pregnancy only in case if it is clearly needed. There isn't sufficient data on the ability of Zithromax to mix in breast milk, so you shouldn't take the drug if you are breastfeeding. If Zithromax is essential to your health, your doctor may recommend you to stop breastfeeding until your course is over.