Zithromax is effective against a wide variety of bacteria organisms

What is the most important information I should know about Zithromax?

• Do not use Zithromax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.

• There are many other medicines that can interact with Zithromax. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

• Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

• Take Zithromax on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Do not take Zithromax at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make Zithromax less effective when taken at the same time.

What is Zithromax?

• Zithromax is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. Zithromax fights bacteria in the body.

• Zithromax is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.
• Zithromax may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Zithromax?
• Do not use Zithromax if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine or similar drugs such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, E.E.S.), clarithromycin (Biaxin), or other macrolide antibiotics.
• Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have:
· liver disease;
· kidney disease;
· a heart rhythm disorder; or
· a history of Long QT syndrome.
• If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Zithromax, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
• FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Zithromax passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Zithromax?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with Zithromax may not be the same for every type of infection.

• Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

• To use the oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

• Zithromax capsules must be taken on an empty stomach. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal

• Zithromax tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.

• Do not take Zithromax at the same time as taking an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid Complete, and others. These antacids can make Zithromax less effective when taken at the same time.

• Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

• Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Zithromax will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

• It is important to take Zithromax regularly to get the most benefit.

• Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

Zyban is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking

Common uses

This medicine is a smoking cessation aid used to help you stop smoking.

Before using

Warning: this medicine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents who have severe depression or certain other mental or mood disorders. Children and adolescents who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately.

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not use this medicine if you are already taking bupropion to treat depression, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or thioridazine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines (e.g., "beta-blockers"), certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), warfarin, decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure medicines, tranquilizers, tramadol, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine), other products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum).

Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, head injury, tumors (e.g., brain or spinal cord), history of drug or alcohol addiction, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding.

Do not use this medicine if you have a history of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia). Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of seizures, or muscle or nerve conditions. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide and a patient information leaflet. Read them carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. If you are taking more than 1 dose each day, allow at least 8 hours between doses.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Zyrtec prevents sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes

Drug Uses

Zyrtec is an antihistamine. Antihistamines prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

How Taken

Zyrtec comes as a tablet to take it orally. It usually is taken once a day. It may be taken regularly or when allergy symptoms flare up. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zyrtec exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring during your therapy with Zyrtec. Zyrtec is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Zyrtec passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Zyrtec without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Zyrtec. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose, do not take an extra tablet to catch up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking Zyrtec and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zyrtec and talk to your doctor if you experience sleepiness, fatigue, or dizziness; headache; or dry mouth. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zyrtec overdose are not well known, but extreme sleepiness, confusion, and weakness may be expected.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zyrtec may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyrtec.