What is Zithromax Z-Pak: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 31, 2020

Zithromax Z-Pak overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Zmax, Zithromax, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax

Generic Names:

  • Azithromycin

Uses:

  • Treats infections. This medicine is a macrolide antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antibiotic

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Packet, Powder, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Zithromax Z-Pak used for?

Zithromax is a prescription drug used to treat certain bacterial infections including pink eye and ear infections. It works to stop the bacteria from growing and spreading. Zithromax may also be used with other medications to treat other conditions as prescribed by your doctor.

What form(s) does Zithromax Z-Pak come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Packet

  • Powder

  • Tablet

What are common Zithromax Z-Pak doses?

  • Disp Pack 6 Tablets

Common Zithromax Z-Pak prescriptions

  • Zithromax Z-Pak
    6 tablets disp pack

How to take Zithromax Z-Pak

  • Oral liquid for multiple doses: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Use it within 10 days of filling the prescription.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Multiple dose (Zithromax® oral liquid or tablets): Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food. Shake the bottle well before you measure the medicine. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Single dose (Zmax® extended-release oral liquid or powder): Liquid: Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before you eat, or 2 hours after you eat.Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 1 hour after you take the medicine.You must take the liquid within 12 hours after the pharmacist gives it to you.Shake the bottle well before you measure the medicine. Measure your dose with a marked measuring spoon, cup, or syringe.Powder: Open 1 packet and pour all of the medicine into a glass with about 2 ounces (¼ cup) of water. Mix well and drink the medicine right away. Pour another 2 ounces of water into the same glass, and drink the remaining medicine.

  • Missed dose: If you are taking multiple doses, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take a regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

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

  • Extended-release oral liquid: Do not refrigerate or freeze.

  • Oral liquid for 1 dose only: Store at room temperature. Do not store in the refrigerator or allow the medicine to freeze.

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

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Multiple dose (Zithromax® oral liquid or tablets): Oral routeYou may take this medicine with or without food. Shake the bottle well before you measure the medicine. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Single dose (Zmax® extended-release oral liquid or powder): Liquid: Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before you eat, or 2 hours after you eat.Call your doctor right away if you vomit within 1 hour after you take the medicine.You must take the liquid within 12 hours after the pharmacist gives it to you.Shake the bottle well before you measure the medicine. Measure your dose with a marked measuring spoon, cup, or syringe.Powder: Open 1 packet and pour all of the medicine into a glass with about 2 ounces (¼ cup) of water. Mix well and drink the medicine right away. Pour another 2 ounces of water into the same glass, and drink the remaining medicine.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Extended-release oral liquid: Do not refrigerate or freeze.

  • Oral liquid for multiple doses: Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Use it within 10 days of filling the prescription.

  • Oral liquid for 1 dose only: Store at room temperature. Do not store in the refrigerator or allow the medicine to freeze.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: If you are taking multiple doses, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take a regular dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Zithromax Z-Pak contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to azithromycin, erythromycin, or similar medicines, or you have a history of liver problems caused by azithromycin.

Zithromax Z-Pak warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or myasthenia gravis. Tell your doctor if anyone in your family has heart rhythm problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Serious skin reactionsLiver problemsInfantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosisHeart rhythm problems

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain

  • Severe diarrhea that may contain blood, stomach cramps, fever

Zithromax Z-Pak interactions

  • Zithromax® for multiple doses: Do not take an antacid that contains magnesium or aluminum at the same time you take Zithromax®. An antacid will affect how the medicine works. Antacids will not affect Zmax® for single dose.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Some medicines can affect how azithromycin works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:Cyclosporine, digoxin, nelfinavir, or phenytoinBlood thinnerErgot medicineMedicine for a heart rhythm problem (including amiodarone, dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)

Zithromax Z-Pak side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Severe diarrhea that may contain blood, stomach cramps, fever

  • Feeling irritable or vomits after feeding (in babies)

  • Double vision, tiredness or weakness

  • Fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain