Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You may take Zithromax® oral liquid or tablets with or without food.

Shake well the bottle of Zithromax® oral liquid before each use. Measure your dose correctly with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Measure the Zmax® extended-release oral suspension with a marked measuring spoon, syringe, or cup. You or your child must take this medicine within 12 hours after it has been mixed with water. It is best to take the Zmax® extended-release oral suspension on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If your child does not use all of the medicine in the bottle, throw it away after you give the dose.

If you or your child vomits within one hour of taking the Zmax® extended-release oral suspension, call your doctor right away to see if more medicine is needed.

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you or your child feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If you are taking aluminum or magnesium-containing antacids, do not take them at the same time that you take Zithromax®. These medicines may keep azithromycin from working properly. However, you can take antacids with Zmax®.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release suspension):
    • For treatment of pneumonia:
      • Adults—2 grams (g) once as a single dose.
      • Children weighing 34 kilograms (kg) or more—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2 grams once a day, taken as a single dose.
      • Children 6 months of age and older weighing less than 34 kg—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 60 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day, taken as a single dose.
    • For treatment of sinusitis:
      • Adults—2 grams (g) once a day as a single dose.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
    • For treatment of infections:
      • Adults—500 to 2000 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose. Depending on the type of infection, this may be followed with doses of 250 to 500 mg once a day for several days.
      • Children 6 months of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 10 to 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day, taken as a single dose. Depending on the type of infection, this may be followed with doses of 5 to 10 mg per kg of body weight once a day for several days.
      • Children younger than 6 months of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For treatment of pharyngitis or tonsillitis:
      • Adults—500 milligrams (mg) on Day 1 (the first day), taken as a single dose. Then, 250 mg on Day 2 through Day 5.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 12 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight once a day for 5 days.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not refrigerate or freeze the Zmax® extended-release oral suspension. After water has been added to the powder, use the dose within 12 hours and throw away any unused liquid after your dose.

You may store the Zithromax® oral liquid at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the bottle. Do not keep the oral liquid for more than 10 days. Throw away any unused liquid after all doses are completed.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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