Since Zithromax is an antibiotic, there are things to remember about the medicine in and of itself.

Macrolides

Zithromax is part of a group called macrolide antibiotics. In antibiotics, there are usually two ways in which a drug can work. The antibiotic drug may target the bacteria and prevent them from multiplying, or it may directly kill the bacteria. Drugs from the macrolide group work in the first way. Macrolide antibiotics are non-habit forming and work by preventing bacteria from reproducing. Macrolide antibiotics differ in structure from penicillin based antibiotic drugs. Patients who have suffered an allergic reaction to a penicillin based drug can safely take drugs from the macrolide group.

The Z Pak, as well as any other antibiotic, should be taken according to doctor’s orders. Many patients tend to stop taking their medicine mid-way through treatment. Although patients who are prescribed the oral suspension dose of Zithromax will not have this problem, the Z Pack contains approximately six or more pills to be taken as prescribed, usually one per day. Patients who do not finish their Z Pak will run the risk of sustaining another infection or illness. Since the drug in the Z Pak targets bacteria production, it is even more vitally important to finish the entire course of treatment. If you stop taking the drug mid-treatment, you allow the bacteria that has infected your system to begin re-multiplying, thus potentially re-infecting your system, resulting in a longer treatment period.

When taken correctly, drugs from the macrolide antibiotic group will usually begin to take effect in as little as two to three days. Depending on the infection being treated and its severity, the patient will continue to take the Z Pak anywhere from one week to two weeks. People with compromised immune systems may have to take the drug for longer periods of time. Like any group of antibiotics, macrolides have a set of side effects commonly associated with them. These side effects range from dry mouth to upset stomach but are generally mild to moderate in severity.