How To Take It
Azithromycin is taken one time orally and can be taken with or without food. Its important to take it as directed by your doctor.
It takes approximately 1 week for azithromycin to cure chlamydia. Avoid having sex while under treatment, as its still possible to pass or worsen the infection during treatment.
How Is Chlamydia Treated
The following are the recommended treatment regimens for chlamydia according to the Guidelines for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, released in 2015, but still considered current. Only one regimen should be chosen.
- Azithromycin 1 gram orally as a single dose
- OR
- Ofloxacin 300 mg orally twice a day for 7 days.
Does Azithromycin Cure Chlamydia
Cure rates of 97% were reported in an analysis of 12 randomized clinical trials that investigated the use of azithromycin 1 gram for the treatment of chlamydia. That means for every 100 people with chlamydia who take azithromycin, 97 will be cured and 3 will not be cured.
This relies on the person with chlamydia taking azithromycin exactly as directed and not sharing the medication with anyone. Any sexual partners must be also treated.
Although azithromycin cures chlamydia in most people, it will not repair any permanent damage done to tissues by the disease.
If you have been symptomatic with chlamydia before treatment and your symptoms continue for more than a few days after receiving treatment, then ask to be re-evaluated by your health care provider.
Unfortunately, repeat infection with chlamydia is common. This means that even though azithromycin has cured your current infection with chlamydia, this does not mean you will not get chlamydia again. If your sexual partners have not been appropriately treated, you are at high-risk for reinfection. Having chlamydia multiple times puts women at high risk of fertility problems, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Infants born to mothers who are infected with chlamydia may develop chlamydial conjunctivitis and/or pneumonia. Chlamydial infection in infants can be treated with antibiotics.
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How To Get Rid Of The Side Effects
Azithromycin is also used to treat lung infection that affects people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus . It is specially used for children to treat ear and chest infections. Azithromycin is available in various forms:Tablets | Capsules | Syrup | Eye drops
What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like 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 or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
- A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
- Dizziness or passing out.
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How Much Does Azithromycin Cost
Azithromycin is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Indications & Usage1 Indications And Usage
ZITHROMAX is a macrolide antibacterial drug indicated for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the specific conditions listed below. Recommended dosages and durations of therapy in adult and pediatric patient populations vary in these indications.
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How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use azithromycin single-dose packet as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Do not take antacids that have magnesium or aluminum at the same time as azithromycin single-dose packet. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Empty powder packet in 1/4 cup of water. Mix well and drink. Rinse cup with more water and drink.
- Keep taking azithromycin single-dose packet as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Only 1 dose of azithromycin single-dose packet is needed. If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you think about it.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Azithromycin For Chlamydia
Yes, you may drink a small amount of alcohol while you are taking azithromycin but there is a chance large amounts of alcohol may increase the gastrointestinal side effects of azithromycin, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, or flatulence. Too much alcohol with azithromycin may also give you a headache.
Because azithromycin is usually taken as a one-off dose, drinking alcohol is unlikely to stop azithromycin from curing chlamydia.
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The Pi As Standard Of Care
In addition to being a useful tool for practice, the PI also has ramifications for state tort law. As noted earlier, drug manufacturers are required to provide guidance about the proper use of the drug, warnings about possible adverse effects, and other relevant information, in the form of the PI. The PI is intended for use by healthcare professionals, primarily the prescriber. The learned intermediary doctrine was established in the case of Sterling Drug v. Cornish, which determined that in such a case the purchasers doctor is the learned intermediary between the purchaser and the manufacturer. If the doctor is properly warned of the possibility of a side effect, there is an excellent chance that injury to the patient can be avoided.14
Even when courts do not accept the PI as prima facie evidence of the established standard of care, the PI may be used to establish malpractice by reason of a failure to obtain informed consent from the patient.16 In these cases, malpractice may be established on the basis of the prescribers failure to make the patient aware of pertinent safety information described in the PI, so that an informed decision could have been made while knowing all risks that pertained to taking the medication. If the prescriber fails to convey the appropriate information contained in the PI, he or she may be held responsible for any harm that befalls the patient.
Can I Mix My Chlamydia Medicine In A Smoothie Instead Of Just Water I Have A Hard Time Handling The Taste Of Medicine A
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Dosage Forms And Strengths
ZITHROMAX 250 mg tablets are supplied as pink modified capsular shaped, engraved, film-coated tablets containing azithromycin dihydrate equivalent to 250 mg of azithromycin. ZITHROMAX 250 mg tablets are engraved with “PFIZER” on one side and “306” on the other, or “Pfizer” on one side and “ZTM 250” on the other. These are packaged in bottles and blister cards of 6 tablets .
ZITHROMAX 500 mg tablets are supplied as pink modified capsular shaped, engraved, film-coated tablets containing azithromycin dihydrate equivalent to 500 mg of azithromycin. ZITHROMAX 500 mg tablets are engraved with “Pfizer” on one side and “ZTM500” on the other. These are packaged in bottles and blister cards of 3 tablets .
ZITHROMAX for oral suspension after constitution contains a flavored suspension. ZITHROMAX for oral suspension is supplied to provide 100 mg/5 mL or 200 mg/5 mL suspension in bottles.
ZITHROMAX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide or ketolide drug.
Animal Toxicology And/or Pharmacology
Phospholipidosis has been observed in some tissues of mice, rats, and dogs given multiple doses of azithromycin. It has been demonstrated in numerous organ systems in dogs and rats treated with azithromycin at doses which, expressed on the basis of body surface area, are similar to or less than the highest recommended adult human dose. This effect has been shown to be reversible after cessation of azithromycin treatment. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, phospholipidosis has been seen in the rat at the observed maximal plasma concentration of 1.3 mcg/mL . Similarly, it has been shown in the dog at the observed maximal serum concentration of 1 mcg/mL . Phospholipidosis was also observed in neonatal rats dosed for 18 days at 30 mg/kg/day, which is less than the pediatric dose of 60 mg/kg based on the surface area. It was not observed in neonatal rats treated for 10 days at 40 mg/kg/day with mean maximal serum concentrations of 1.86 mcg/mL, approximately 1.5 times the Cmax of 1.27 mcg/mL at the pediatric dose. Phospholipidosis has been observed in neonatal dogs at maximum mean whole blood concentrations of 3.54 mcg/mL, approximately 3 times the pediatric dose Cmax. The significance of these findings for animals and for humans is unknown.
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Proper Use Of Zithromax
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about an hour.
Your doctor may give you a few doses of this medicine until your condition improves, and then you may be switched to an oral medicine that works the same way. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your doctor.
Generic Name: Azithromycin Powder Packet
BRAND NAME: Zithromax
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Azithromycin is an antibiotic . This single-dose form of the medication is used to treat certain infections, including genital infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This medication will not work for viral infections . Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.This form of azithromycin is not intended for use by children.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Mix the contents of one packet in 2 ounces of water. Drink this right away. Add another 2 ounces of water, mix, and drink the entire amount.Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
Information last revised March 2013. Copyright 2013 First Databank, Inc.
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Is Azithromycin Better Than Doxycycline At Curing Chlamydia
STD guidelines still favor azithromycin over doxycycline for the treatment of chlamydia. This is because of the following reasons:
- Cure rates of azithromycin and doxycycline are similar, 97% and 98-100% respectively, according to a meta-analysis of 12 trials.
- Azithromycin is given as a single dose, doxycycline needs to be given for seven days, either as a once-daily or twice-daily dose.
- The dose of azithromycin can be easily supervised if need be it is much harder to supervise seven days of once daily or twice daily doxycycline treatment
- People are more likely to take a single dose of azithromycin than finish a seven-day course of doxycycline.
Recently, some reports have suggested that doxycycline may be more effective than azithromycin, particularly when medication adherence can be assured. There is also some concern that azithromycin may not be as effective for anogenital chlamydial infections.
Forms And Various Strength
Generic: Azithromycin 250mg, 500mg and 600mgBrand: Zithromax – 250mg, 500mg
If you are taking Azithromycin syrup shake it well before use. Use a dosing spoon or measuring cup for taking the correct amount of Azithromycin. Always rinse the measuring device in water before and after its use.
If youre using Azithromycin powder in single-dose, try mixing it in water before taking the medication. 1 gram packet of Azithromycin should be mixed with ¼ cup of water and consume the entire thing immediately.
After taking the medicine if you vomit within one hour consult your doctor immediately. The doctor will guide you on whether to take the next dose or not. You would feel better in a few days of treatment with Azithromycin. In any case, you dont see any improvement then you can consult your doctor.
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Azithromycin 1 Gram Oral Packet
The photos shown are samples onlyNot all photos of the drug may be displayed. Your medication may look different. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist.close popup
Azithromycin is an antibiotic . This single-dose form of the medication is used to treat certain infections, including genital infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This medication will not work for viral infections . Unnecessary use or misuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
This form of azithromycin is not intended for use by children.
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Mix the contents of one packet in 2 ounces of water. Drink this right away. Add another 2 ounces of water, mix, and drink the entire amount.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Stomach upset, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
In the US –
How To Use Azithromycin Packet Macrolide Antibiotics
Take this medication by mouth, with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Mix the contents of one packet in 2 ounces of water. Drink this right away. Add another 2 ounces of water, mix, and drink the entire amount.
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium may decrease the absorption of azithromycin if taken at the same time. If you take an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, wait at least 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
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Serious Azithromycin Side Effects:
- QT prolongation, it can cause irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Reduced appetite
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine dont show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Azithromycin side effects.
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed
Chlamydia can be diagnosed with either a first-catch urine test or a swab collected from the endocervix or vagina in women, or a first-catch urine test or a swab collected from the urethra in men.
Self-collected vaginal swab testing is available and many women find this screening strategy highly acceptable.
- Geisler WM, Uniyal A, Lee JY, et al. Azithromycin versus Doxycycline for Urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis Infection. N Engl J Med. 2015 373:2512-2521. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1502599
- Workowski, K, Bolan G. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
- WHO Guidelines for the Treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis. Geneva: World Health Organization 2016. 4, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CHLAMYDIAL INFECTIONS. Available from:
- Chlamydia Treatment and Care. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/treatment.htm
- Chlamydia Treatment Information Sheet. Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
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