What it means
A macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria from making proteins. It is used for community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, pertussis, Chlamydiakluh-MID-ee-uhA sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis; also the name of the bacterium.Full entry (often as a single dose) and other infections. It lasts long in the body, so courses are short, such as the 5-day pack. Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea and belly pain. Rarely, it can cause a dangerous heart rhythm in people at risk.
For the nurse
Ask about allergies and heart rhythm problems. Teach the client to take the full course, and not to take antacids with aluminum or magnesium at the same time as the oral suspension. Report severe diarrhea or palpitations.
At a glance
| Drug class | macrolide antibiotic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Zithromax |
| Spanish | azitromicina |
| Also written | Zithromax, Z-Pak |
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
pertussis
A very contagious infection of the airways caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis; also called whooping cough.
Chlamydia
A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis; also the name of the bacterium.
community-acquired pneumonia
Pneumonia that a person develops outside a hospital or long-term care facility.