While the Z Pak has many benefits, the drug also has side effects and other negative aspects much like any antibiotic.

Since the Z Pak is an antibiotic, it must be taken on a regular schedule at regular intervals in order to maintain its effectiveness. Missing a dose can inhibit the effectiveness of the drug and may allow the infection to recur if more than one dose is missed. However, if you do miss a dose, do not double the next dose to make up for the lost medication, or you will run the risk of overdose. Instead, take the missed dose as soon as you remember unless it is time to take the next dose. If this is the case simply continue on your regular dosing schedule and do not take the missed dose. It is important as well to remember to take the tablets in the Z Pak whole and with water. Do not crush, chew, or swallow the tablets in the Z Pak.

The Z Pak contains Zithromax in sustained release tablets with a special coating. This coating allows each tablet to dissolve in your system slowly, enabling the long half-life of each tablet to maintain the correct amount of medication in the body until it is time to take the next dose. Chewing or crushing the tablets ruins the protective coating and may put you at risk for an overdose of medication.

Zithromax is a potent drug and like any antibiotic carries the risk of side effects. Patients who experience irregular heart beat, hives, chest pain, or any other severe symptom should contact their doctor immediately. These are signs of a serious allergic reaction. More common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, or dry mouth. Zithromax can also make patients much more sensitive to sunlight, and patients should invest in sun protection or avoid exposure to prevent skin damage. Even after stopping medication, patients may experience fever or severe diarrhea, in which case they should contact their doctor immediately, because these are signs of a serious medical condition.