Like millions of people who contract illnesses or develop infections each year, you have probably taken an antibiotic at some point. One common antibiotic prescribed today is called Azithromycin, more commonly referred to as Zithromax. The drug can be dispensed as a powder or in a packet of pills. The packet of pills is usually referred to as the Z Pak.

The Z Pak is used to treat a broad range of illnesses and infections, from ear infections to tonsillitis. Like any antibiotic, the Z Pak is prescribed to treat specific symptoms and should be taken as prescribed and finished completely. Not finishing the course of treatment could give the bacteria time to multiply and cause a subsequent infection.

When the drug is dispensed in powder form, it must be dissolved in water to be taken. Patients should mix the powder into two ounces of water, consume the medicine, then add and consume an extra two ounces of water to ensure the entire dose has been consumed. This is a single, powerful dose of the antibiotic.

Most patients are prescribed the Z Pak, which is a packet of pills. The packet usually consists of approximately six pills to be taken on a daily basis. The pills should also be taken with water about one to two hours before consuming a meal. Patients should not take antacids within two hours of taking a dose of Zithromax because the antacids can interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.

While Zithromax is available by prescription, it is also available to the average consumer online. However, whether or not buying prescription medication online is a wise idea has yet to be determined. The safest bet for patients is to visit their doctor. Rather than risk self-diagnosing and treating, patients should describe their symptoms to a doctor, who will determine if Zithromax is the right treatment. When patients self-treat, they risk taking the medicine unnecessarily, thus enduring potentially painful side effects and increasing bacteria’s resistance to antibiotics like Zithromax.

Before taking the Z Pack, read all labels and instructions and discuss the medication with your doctor to make sure you are not taking any other medications which may interfere with Zithromax.