Drug information for parents:
Zithromax
Azithromycin (a-zithro-my-sin)

This article answers some common questions about the antibiotic Zithromax.  It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Remember, all medicines have risks and benefits. Your child's doctor has weighed the risks of your youngster taking Zithromax against the benefits the physician expects it will have for your child. .

Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in different parts of the body by killing or stopping bacterial growth. It is commonly used in children to treat ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, tonsillitis, skin infections, and pneumonia. Zithromax will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu. 

Before administering Zithromax to your child, make sure they are not allergic to:

• azithromycin
• any other macrolide antibiotics (for example erythromycin (EES, Ilosone, Ery-ped, E-Mycin) clarithromycin (Biaxin), roxithromycin)

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin.

Some medicines may interfere with Zithromax. These include:

• antacids (medicines used to treat indigestion)
• digoxin (a medicine used to treat heart failure)
• ergot derivatives (such as ergotamine, which is used to treat migraines)
• terfenadine or astemizole (medicines used to treat allergies)

Zithromax comes as an oral suspension or a tablet taken by mouth. It is given to children with or without food once a day for 5 days. The dose for your child will depend on his or her body weight.  Zithromax should be taken exactly as directed and it is unwise to give your child more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Use only the syringe provided to measure the correct amount of medication. Rinse the syringe with water after taking the full dose of medication.  The tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Whether it is the oral suspension or tablets, Zithromax should be given to your child until the tables are gone or bottle is empty. Do not stop giving your child the medicine when they begin to feel better.  If your youngster does  not complete the full course prescribed by their doctor, the organisms causing your child's infection may not be killed. These bacteria may continue to grow and multiply so that the infection may not clear completely or may return.

Should you forget to give your child a dose, administer it to them as soon as you remember. Do not try to make up for missed doses by taking more than one dose at a time.

Protect your child's kin when they are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm. Zithromax may cause your child's skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn. If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 30+ sunscreen. If their skin does appear to be burning tell their doctor immediately.

• If the symptoms of their infection does not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, call your child's doctor.
• If your youngster gets severe diarrhea, call their doctor immediately. Do this even if the diarrhea occurs several weeks after Zithromax has been stopped. Do not give your child any diarrhea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
• Do not stop giving your youngster Zithromax or lower the dosage without checking with their doctor.
• Do not give one child's Zithromax to a sibling, even if they seem to have the same condition.

Like other medicines, Zithromax can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Phone your doctor  if your child develops any of the following while taking Zithromax:  

• oral thrush - white, furry, sore tongue and mouth
• vaginal thrush - sore and itchy vagina and/or white discharge
• nausea (feeling sick), loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, wind, constipation, diarrhea, loose bowel motions
• dizziness, headache, spinning sensation
• tiredness, drowsiness
• muscle or joint aches
• hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• severe persistent diarrhea (loose bowel motions)

Some of these side effects may occur several weeks after your child stops taking Zithromax.  Since Zithromax can cause some bacteria, which are normally present in the bowel and normally harmless to multiply causing severe stomach cramps, water and severe diarrhea, which may be bloody, and fever. Let your child's doctor know if any of these occur.

posted 07-25-05 on kidsgrowth and pedialliance.com