Generic Zithromax

Common use

Zithromax is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic chemically related to erythromycin which is active against majority of species of gram positive and gram negative microorganisms such as genus Staphylococcus; S. aureus, S. pneumoiane, S. pyogenes, S. agalactiae, Haemophilus influenzae and parainfluenzae, Moraxela catarrhalis, Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Bordetella ssp., Borrelia burgdorferi, Haemophilus ducreui, Nisseria gonorrhoeae Ø Chlamidia trachomati. In vitro it showed activity against Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoiae hominis, Helicobacter pylori, Toxoplasma gondii, Ureaplasma urealiticum. As a Macrolide antibiotic Zithromax inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and prevents bacteria from growth and propagation. It is used to treat infections of upper and low respiratory organs (tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, pneumonia), urogenital infections (urethritis, prostatitis, cervicitis, adnexitis caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, early syphilis), intestinal infections, ulcer of stomach and duodenum.



Dosage and directions

Take exactly as prescribed and do not discontinue your treatment even if you feel fine and your symptoms improved without permission of your doctor. Take Zithromax tablet with a big glass of water. To prepare a liquid suspension form one dose packet mix one packet with 2 ounces of water, shake and drink at once. Do not use the suspension which was prepared longer than 12 hours ago. Tablets and suspension can be taken with or without food while capsules should be taken on an empty stomach 2 hours before or after a meal.



Precautions

There are no evidences if Zithromax affects an unborn baby or excretes in a breast milk. This medication should be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women only if expected benefit prevails over potential risk for the baby.



Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Zithromax and related drugs such as azithromycin or erythromycin.



Possible side effect

Among side effects may be diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, fever, rash, red skin, headache. You should call your doctor and inform about such symptoms or get immediate medical attention.



Drug interaction

Zithromax is not recommended to take with aluminum- or magnesium- based antacids, such as Mylanta or Maalox as they decrease its absorption in the intestine.





Missed dose

Take the missed dose when you remember. If it is almost time of the next intake just skip it and return to your schedule.



Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may appear as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. In this case look for immediate medical attention.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-77 F (15-25 C) away from light and moisture, kids and pets. Do not store the liquid longer than 10 days.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)