Enlarged lymph nodes? If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe you a Z-Pak. A Z-Pak is an antibiotic commonly prescribed for bacterial infections, like sinus infections, pink eye, or tonsillitis—not viral infections.
A Z-Pak is the brand name for a five-day course of the antibiotic azithromycin that treats bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria in your body. Azithromycin is also available as an eye drop, called AzaSite. Sign up for azithromycin price alerts and find out when the price changes! Get price alerts. A Z-Pak can treat a variety of bacterial infections in adults and children.
Some of the most common infections include:. Of these, strep throat is one of the more common diseases treated by a Z-Pak. Because bacteria cause strep throat, a Z-Pak can prevent bacteria from growing and can decrease the spread of the infection to other people. It can also prevent strep throat from evolving into a more severe illness like rheumatic fever, a condition that can damage your heart valves. A Z-Pak cannot treat viral infections, like the flu or the common cold, because viral infections cannot be cured by antibiotics.
There are two main forms of azithromycin : liquid in suspension form and tablets. The most common dosage strengths for the tablets are mg and mg. There are six tablets in a mg Z-Pak. Azithromycin is also available in higher doses as a powder form and used for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Although the Z-Pak is the most popular form of azithromycin, sometimes doctors prescribe a Zithromax Tri-Pak, which contains three tablets of azithromycin mg, and is taken once daily for 3 days. The Tri-Pak may be prescribed for mild to moderate acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, or for acute bacterial sinusitis. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.
Taking it again could be fatal cause death. For people with myasthenia gravis: If you have myasthenia gravis, taking this drug may worsen your symptoms. Be sure to discuss your condition with your doctor before taking azithromycin. For people with certain heart problems: If you have an abnormal heart rhythm, including a condition called QT prolongation, taking this drug can increase your risk of having an arrhythmia that may be fatal.
People with decompensated uncontrolled heart failure are also at risk. Ask your doctor if this drug is safe for you. One study in pregnant rats did show increased risk of fetal death and delays in development after birth. Azithromycin does pass into the breast milk of lactating women.
These side effects may include diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. Typical dosage is mg once per day for 3 days. Your doctor may also prescribe mg taken as a single dose on day 1, followed by mg once per day on days 2 through 5.
Your doctor may prescribe mg taken in a single dose on day 1, followed by mg once per day on days 2 through 5.
Your doctor may prescribe mg in a single dose on day 1, followed by mg once per day on days 2 through 5. For treatment , typical dosage is mg once per day, taken with the drug ethambutol. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.
Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Azithromycin is typically used for short-term treatment. For azithromycin to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. This may cause liver damage or an irregular heart rhythm. If your symptoms are severe, call or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once.
This could result in dangerous side effects. If you take too much azithromycin, you could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body.
This may cause liver damage and irregular heart rhythm. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.
These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Azithromycin belongs to a drug class called macrolide antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Each antibiotic only works against infections caused by certain types of bacteria, so there are many classes and types of antibiotics. Macrolide antibiotics are typically used to treat infections such as strep throat , syphilis , Lyme disease , and respiratory infections. The other macrolide antibiotics available in the United States are clarithromycin and erythromycin.
Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to azithromycin. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the azithromycin, call your doctor. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.
You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Azithromycin pronounced as az ith roe mye' sin. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to azithromycin, clarithromycin Biaxin, in Prevpac , dirithromycin not available in the U. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants 'blood thinners' such as warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven ; colchicine Colcrys, Gloperba ; cyclosporine Neoral, Sandimmune ; digoxin Lanoxin ; dihydroergotamine D.
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how many hours before or after you take azithromycin you may take these medications.
The extended-release suspension may be taken at any time with antacids. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take azithromycin. If you become pregnant while taking azithromycin, call your doctor.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. Azithromycin may cause side effects.
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