Zithromax 100mg Susp 15ml(green Bx)

Azithromycin binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms, thereby inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It does not affect nucleic acid synthesis. This action is typically bacteriostatic, but can be bactericidal at high concentrations against certain organisms.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Chest pain or pressure
Fast heartbeat or abnormal heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Changes in hearing
Fever
Changes in eyesight
Diarrhea, especially if it is severe, bloody, or accompanied by stomach pain or cramps (a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called C. diff-associated diarrhea, or CDAD, may occur)
Liver problems, which may be indicated by:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Severe skin reactions, including:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions, which may also affect internal organs
+ Signs of these reactions may include:
- Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
- Red or irritated eyes
- Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen glands

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people experience either no side effects or only mild side effects while taking this medication. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms or if they persist or bother you, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Headache
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
* Vomiting

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects not mentioned here. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have previously experienced liver problems or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) while taking this medication.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Abnormal heart rhythms, such as a prolonged QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other irregular heartbeats
+ Slow heartbeat
+ Low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
+ Heart failure (a weakened heart)
+ A history of torsades de pointes, a specific type of abnormal heartbeat
If you are taking any medications that can cause abnormal heart rhythms, such as those that prolong the QT interval. There are many medications that can have this effect, so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, natural products, and vitamins
Any health problems you have

This information will help your doctor determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Important Warnings and Cautions for Patients Taking This Medication

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Adhere to the prescribed duration of treatment, as prolonged use may increase the risk of a second infection.

Severe Heart Rhythm Changes
This medication can cause severe heart rhythm changes, including prolonged QT interval, which can be life-threatening or fatal. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.

Myasthenia Gravis
If you have myasthenia gravis, discuss your treatment with your doctor. Monitor your symptoms closely, and contact your doctor if they worsen. Additionally, be aware that myasthenia gravis symptoms can occur in people without a prior diagnosis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience new or worsening muscle weakness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, breathing problems, droopy eyelids, or changes in vision, such as blurred vision or double vision.

Special Considerations
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.

Newborns
In newborns taking this medication, a severe stomach problem can occur. If your child vomits or becomes irritable during feeding, contact your doctor immediately.

• Pimozide (risk of QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias)

• QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, disopyramide, dofetilide, cisapride, terfenadine, astemizole, some antipsychotics like thioridazine, some fluoroquinolones like moxifloxacin, tricyclic antidepressants)
• Warfarin (increased anticoagulant effect, monitor INR)
• Nelfinavir (increased azithromycin serum concentrations)
• Ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine - risk of acute ergot toxicity)

• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium (decreased azithromycin peak serum concentrations, administer azithromycin at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after antacids)
• Digoxin (increased digoxin serum concentrations)
• Cyclosporine (increased cyclosporine serum concentrations)
• Colchicine (increased colchicine exposure)
• Statins (e.g., simvastatin, lovastatin - theoretical increased risk of myopathy/rhabdomyolysis, though less significant than with other macrolides)

• Zidovudine (increased zidovudine phosphorylation to its active metabolite in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, clinical significance uncertain)

• Diarrhea (especially severe or bloody)
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash or severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS syndrome)
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Pale stools
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting (syncope)
• Hearing changes (rare, usually reversible)

Azithromycin is classified as Pregnancy Category B. Studies in animals have not shown harm to the fetus, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clearly indicated and the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Azithromycin is excreted in human milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers azithromycin to be compatible with breastfeeding. Monitor breastfed infants for potential gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, candidiasis) or rash.

Widely used in pediatric populations for various bacterial infections. Dosing is weight-based. Safety and efficacy established for children 6 months and older for specific indications. Use in neonates and infants younger than 6 months is generally limited to specific, severe infections due to limited data and potential for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) with macrolides (though less reported with azithromycin than erythromycin).

No specific dosage adjustment is required based solely on age. However, elderly patients may be at increased risk for QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes, especially if they have pre-existing cardiac conditions or are on other QT-prolonging medications. Monitor closely for adverse effects.

• Azithromycin's long half-life allows for shorter treatment courses (e.g., 3-day or 5-day regimens) and once-daily dosing, which can improve patient adherence.
• It achieves high concentrations in tissues and phagocytes, leading to sustained antibacterial activity even after plasma levels decline.
• While generally well-tolerated, it carries a risk of QT prolongation, particularly in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or concurrent use of other QT-prolonging drugs. An ECG should be considered in at-risk patients.
• Like all antibiotics, azithromycin can cause Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. This can occur during or up to 2 months after therapy.
• Azithromycin is not effective against viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Prescribing for viral infections contributes to antibiotic resistance.
• The oral suspension should be shaken well before each use and measured accurately with a dosing syringe or spoon, not a household spoon.

• Other macrolides (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Beta-lactam antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, penicillin, cephalexin)
• Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline, minocycline)
• Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin - generally reserved for specific indications due to broader spectrum and potential for serious side effects)
• Lincosamides (e.g., clindamycin)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.