Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat mild to moderate infections, including some sexually-transmitted diseases. Zithromax can cause life-threatening allergic reactions and severe inflammation of the bowels and diarrhea.
What are some important things I should know about Zithromax?
Severe allergic reactions can occur with Zithromax, including anaphylaxis and skin reactions like Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Fatalities can occur as well.
Patients who have an allergic reaction to Zithromax should never use it again.
Zithromax is designed to treat mild to moderate infections in adults, unless otherwise stated below. This includes:
- bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- acute bacterial sinusitis
- community-acquired pneumonia (in children and adults)
- pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus (in children and adults)
- skin infections
- urinary tract infections and cervicitis due to Chlamydia or gonorrhea
- genital ulcer disease
- acute otitis media (in children)
Zithromax should not be used to treat patients with pneumonia if they have moderate to severe risk factors, including cystic fibrosis or immunodeficiency conditions, or if they require hospitalization.
Severe allergic reactions can occur with Zithromax, including anaphylaxis and skin reactions like Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Fatalities can occur as well.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis can both cause permanent disfigurement and can be life-threatening.
Zithromax can also cause severe inflammation of the bowels and diarrhea.
Make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, because Zithromax can cause serious drug interactions that may be life-threatening, especially with aluminum- and magnesium-containing antacids.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant, or if you notice:
- fainting
- dizziness
- weak feeling
- stomach pain
- trouble breathing
- swelling of face, mouth and throat
- hives
- rash
- redness on the skin
- itching, dry skin