So, what happened to Z-Packs? And why am I stuck with long, boring courses of other antibiotics these days instead? As it turns out, there are some pretty good reasons. A Z-Pack also called a Z-Pak, Zmax, or Zithromax is literally just azithromycin, a standard antibiotic introduced in , formulated in a package of six pills, which are taken over five days.
That short time commitment was a huge part of their appeal. Other antibiotics may require multiple doses a day for 10 or 14 days at a time, Tara Vijayan, M. Plus, the ones I took were usually hot pink and came in a blister pack rather than a bottle—factors that mattered a lot to a sick and miserable 8-year-old me. And, Dr. For instance, before azithromycin, if you had a penicillin allergy and needed an antibiotic for a case of strep throat, your only option was likely a cephalosporin antibiotic, which still has some cross-reactivity with penicillin allergies, Dr.
Vyas explains. So, if there were any worries about allergies, a Z-Pack was an obvious, nearly all-purpose choice. To be clear, nothing really happened to Z-Packs specifically, Dr. Vyas says. In fact, in many ways, the rise and fall of the Z-Pack is simply a reflection of the way our understanding of antibiotics as a whole has developed in the past decade.
We now know so much more about which antibiotics are best used for which illnesses, how the overuse and misuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, and the what the optimal time course is for various antibiotics.
The Z pack is a 5-day antibiotic treatment that does not work on the common cold. Viral infections cause the common cold, but the Z pack only works on bacterial infections. Doctors may recommend using the Z pack occasionally, and they may explain some things to consider before using it.
Prevention may be the best tool against the common cold. In this article, we discuss whether or not the Z pack is safe to use, its impact on antibiotic resistance, and how to prevent the common cold. Some people have concerns about the Z pack itself due to azithromycin, which is the active ingredient in the medicine. The United States Food and Drug Administration FDA have issued a safety warning about the drug, noting that the antibiotic may cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.
Some people are more at risk of experiencing difficulties from using this antibiotic, including those with:. The FDA warn health professionals to consider the risk of fatal heart rhythms in people who are at risk of cardiovascular events before prescribing antibacterial drugs such as azithromycin.
Overusing antibiotics threatens the safety of the population by contributing to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria constantly adapt, which is how they continue to infect the human body. The more often bacteria interact with drugs such as antibiotics, the more they must adapt. This makes them stronger. Antibiotic overuse may eventually lead to antibiotic resistance. This essentially means that the bacteria have become immune to the antibiotics.
Doctors tend to prescribe a Z pack to treat a strong bacterial infection. It is an oral medication that a person can take with or without food, and the dose depends on the severity of the infection. Like most medications, it works on some types of illnesses and does not work on others.
Taking the entire course of the Z pack treatment is important. Even if the person feels better before finishing the course, incomplete treatment may lead to the infection coming back or make future infections harder to deal with. The cold and flu are two very common conditions. Stopping the medication too early may cause bacteria to grow, and your infection to return.
If you miss a Z-Pak dose, take it as soon as you can. While Z-Paks can help adults and children recover from bacterial infections, there are some precautions to consider before taking the prescription drug. The following medicines have negative interactions with Z-Paks:.
Note: There are no drug interactions between azithromycin and Nyquil, so you can safely take these two drugs together to ease symptoms of a cough, sore throat, headache, fever, runny nose, and sneezing. Many cough and cold medications are not safe for people with high blood pressure or glaucoma. Seek medical help right away if you experience fainting, severe dizziness, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or an allergic reaction.
You should also seek medical treatment if any of these side effects persist or worsen. Azithromycin has also caused abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart, which can lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm, according to the U. Patients at risk for developing this condition include those who have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, have a slower-than-average heart rate, or use drugs that treat abnormal heart rhythms arrhythmia.
Talk to your healthcare provider before taking a Z-Pak to discuss all possible side effects and drug interactions. He or she can provide medical advice on how to avoid or treat adverse effects. For example, taking this medicine with food could prevent an upset stomach. Amoxicillin is a common alternative to azithromycin. It's widely used to treat chest infections such as pneumonia , infections of the nose and throat such as sinus infection sinusitis , skin infections, Lyme disease , and some sexually transmitted infections.
Azithromycin is used in children, often to treat ear infections or chest infections. It can also be used long term to prevent chest infections in people who keep getting them. The medicine is available on prescription as capsules, tablets and a liquid that you drink. It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital. Take our survey. It isn't suitable for some people. To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:.
Azithromycin is usually taken once a day, unless you're having it by injection. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day. The usual dose is mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated. For some infections, you'll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g. The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.
Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case, it's usually taken 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back. If your doctor has prescribed azithromycin capsules, you should take them at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating.
Azithromycin liquid is available for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets. If you or your child are taking azithromycin as a liquid, it'll usually be made up for you by your pharmacist. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you measure the right amount.
If you don't have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount. The liquid can have a bitter aftertaste, so it can be a good idea to offer children a drink of fruit juice afterwards. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next one.
In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal. Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to remember your medicine. Taking an extra dose of azithromycin by accident is unlikely to harm you or your child.
It may, however, increase the chance of temporary side effects, such as feeling or being sick or diarrhoea. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried, or if you or your child accidentally take more than 1 extra dose.
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