How should you take Azithromycin dose?

Take Azithromycin capsules at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension can be taken with or without food. Do not take any form of Azithromycin with an antacid that contains aluminum or magnesium, such as Di-Gel, Gelusil, Maalox, and others.

If you are using single-dose packets of Azithromycin powder for oral suspension, mix the entire contents of each packet with 2 ounces of water, drink immediately, then add an additional 2 ounces of water, mix again, and drink to make sure you've taken the entire dose. When giving the pediatric suspension, shake the bottle thoroughly before each use and measure the dose with the supplied calibrated dropper. Use the pediatric suspension within 10 days and throw out any that remains. Be sure to take all the drug prescribed. If you stop taking Azithromycin too soon, some germs may survive and the illness may return.

Azithromycin dosage for adults:

• Respiratory Diseases, Tonsillitis, Strep Throat, and Skin Infections: The usual dose of Azithromycin is 500 milligrams in a single dose the first day. This is followed by 250 milligrams once daily for the next 4 days. Alternatively, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be prescribed 500 milligrams a day for 3 days.
  
  
• Genital Ulcer Disease: The usual dose of Azithromycin is a single gram (1,000 milligrams) one time only.
  
  
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: The usual dose of Azithromycin is a single 2-gram (2,000 milligrams) dose

Azithromycin dosage for children:

• Middle Ear Infection: For children aged 6 months and up, treatment may be given three ways. One option is a single dose of 30 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. Another option is a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds given each day for 3 days. Azithromycin can also be given over a period of 5 days, starting with a dose of 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds on the first day and continuing with daily doses of 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
  
  
• Pneumonia: For children aged 6 months and up, the usual dose is 10 milligrams of Azithromycin suspension per 2.2 pounds of body weight in a single dose the first day, followed by 5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds for the next 4 days.
  
  
• Strep Throat and Tonsillitis: For children aged 2 years and up, the usual dose is 12 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight once daily for 5 days.

Azithromycin Overdosage:

Although no specific information on Azithromycin overdose is available, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an Azithromycin overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

If you miss a dose Azithromycin: Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose of Azithromycin and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Storage instructions for Azithromycin: It should be stored at room temperature.

Preparations of Azithromycin: Tablets: 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg Capsules: 250mg Suspension: 100 mg/teaspoon, 200 mg/teaspoon

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Azithromycin

Do not take Azithromycin with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta.

If Azithromycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Azithromycin with the following: Nelfinavir (Viracept), Warfarin (Coumadin), Digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and D.H.E., Cyclosporine (Neoral and Sandimmune), Hexobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin).