Is it safe, and does it work?

The Z pack is a 5-day antibiotic treatment that does not work on the common cold. It only works on bacterial infections. A doctor can advise on suitable treatments for the common cold.

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.

Share on PinterestA person should only use a Z pack under a doctor’s supervision.

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.

This could lead to potentially fatal complications in some cases.

Some people are more at risk of experiencing difficulties from using this antibiotic, including those with:

• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium
• a slower-than-normal heart rate
• arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat
• prolonged QT interval, or an irregularity that causes very fast and erratic heartbeats

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.

Does using the Z pack add to antibiotic resistance?

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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year in the U.S., antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause more than 23,000 deaths.

So, it is best to reserve the use of antibiotics for serious infections.

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.

Cold and flu

The cold and flu are two very common conditions. Both the cold and flu appear due to viral infections. The rhinovirus typically causes the cold, while the influenza virus causes the flu.

It is important to note that these are viruses. Antibiotic medications such as the Z pack target bacteria and will not affect a viral infection. The Z pack is not effective against the cold or flu.

Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils. Its symptoms include a sore, painful throat, fever, and white spots on the tonsils and back of the mouth.

Antibiotics are effective in treating the condition because it is a bacterial infection. Despite this, the Z pack or azithromycin is usually not the first choice for treatment. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin to treat strep throat.

Where other medications fail, or a person is allergic to these antibiotics, doctors may recommend using azithromycin. This drug is effective at killing the bacteria.

Pneumonia or bronchitis

Share on PinterestA thorough diagnosis by a healthcare professional is very important.

What appears to be a severe cold or flu may be symptoms of bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

This is part of the reason why a thorough diagnosis is so important. If a healthcare professional sees signs of a particularly strong pneumonia or bronchitis infection, they may recommend antibiotics.

Antibiotics such as azithromycin would be effective in these cases, since the underlying issue stems from bacteria.

Other infections

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, azithromycin, the active ingredient in Z pack, may also be helpful against other infectious diseases, including:

• bacterial sinusitis, a sinus infection
• urethritis, an infection of the urethra
• cervicitis, an infection of the cervix
• genital ulcer disease
• ear infection
• some skin infections

Treatment still depends on what bacteria are causing the underlying infection. This is why a thorough diagnosis is important in each case before a doctor can recommend antibiotics.

Should I take a Z pack for a cold?

There is no reason to take a Z pack to treat a cold. The common cold is a viral infection, most often a rhinovirus. Viruses are not susceptible to antibiotics such as the Z pack.

Specific antivirals may target and kill viruses, but the Z pack is not one of them. Taking the Z pack will not help with a cold in any way.

Share on PinterestA person should drink extra water when they have a common cold.

The common cold usually lasts a few days, and the body can deal with it without outside help.

So, in general, there is not much that a person needs to do when fighting a cold, as the body will do the most work.

However, there are some things a person can do to help support the body, including:

• drinking extra water
• getting plenty of rest
• avoiding too much activity

If symptoms become uncomfortable or interfere with daily life, over-the-counter drugs may help treat symptoms until the body can get rid itself of the underlying infection.

Some drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), target symptoms individually, which helps reduce fever and pain. Other drugs, such as cough syrups, may contain different medicines to treat many symptoms at once.

Always follow the instructions on the label and avoid using these drugs in children. Some drugs have children’s versions available, and anyone who is uncertain should talk to their pediatrician before dosing their child.

The common cold tends to go away on its own, as the body deals with the underlying viral infection. There are still steps a person can take to help prevent the cold or prevent the spread of the cold.

These include:

• regularly washing the hands
• covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue
• avoiding touching the face or other people’s faces

Most common illnesses, such as the cold and flu, do not generally require antibiotics. The viruses will not respond to antibiotics at all, so using them is unnecessary unless a bacterial infection is present.

If a bacterial infection is getting out of hand or the person’s health or life is at stake, the doctor might recommend antibiotics.

There is no reason to take a Z pack to treat the cold. Anyone with concerns about their health during cold and flu season may want to consider discussing their options with a healthcare professional and taking measures to protect themselves from airborne viruses.

Is it safe, and does it work?

The Z pack is a 5-day antibiotic treatment that does not work on the common cold. It only works on bacterial infections. A doctor can advise on suitable treatments for the common cold.

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.

Share on PinterestA person should only use a Z pack under a doctor’s supervision.

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.

This could lead to potentially fatal complications in some cases.

Some people are more at risk of experiencing difficulties from using this antibiotic, including those with:

• low blood levels of potassium or magnesium
• a slower-than-normal heart rate
• arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat
• prolonged QT interval, or an irregularity that causes very fast and erratic heartbeats

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.

Does using the Z pack add to antibiotic resistance?

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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that each year in the U.S., antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause more than 23,000 deaths.

So, it is best to reserve the use of antibiotics for serious infections.

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.

Cold and flu

The cold and flu are two very common conditions. Both the cold and flu appear due to viral infections. The rhinovirus typically causes the cold, while the influenza virus causes the flu.

It is important to note that these are viruses. Antibiotic medications such as the Z pack target bacteria and will not affect a viral infection. The Z pack is not effective against the cold or flu.

Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils. Its symptoms include a sore, painful throat, fever, and white spots on the tonsils and back of the mouth.

Antibiotics are effective in treating the condition because it is a bacterial infection. Despite this, the Z pack or azithromycin is usually not the first choice for treatment. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin or penicillin to treat strep throat.

Where other medications fail, or a person is allergic to these antibiotics, doctors may recommend using azithromycin. This drug is effective at killing the bacteria.

Pneumonia or bronchitis

Share on PinterestA thorough diagnosis by a healthcare professional is very important.

What appears to be a severe cold or flu may be symptoms of bacterial infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis.

This is part of the reason why a thorough diagnosis is so important. If a healthcare professional sees signs of a particularly strong pneumonia or bronchitis infection, they may recommend antibiotics.

Antibiotics such as azithromycin would be effective in these cases, since the underlying issue stems from bacteria.

Other infections

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, azithromycin, the active ingredient in Z pack, may also be helpful against other infectious diseases, including:

• bacterial sinusitis, a sinus infection
• urethritis, an infection of the urethra
• cervicitis, an infection of the cervix
• genital ulcer disease
• ear infection
• some skin infections

Treatment still depends on what bacteria are causing the underlying infection. This is why a thorough diagnosis is important in each case before a doctor can recommend antibiotics.

Should I take a Z pack for a cold?

There is no reason to take a Z pack to treat a cold. The common cold is a viral infection, most often a rhinovirus. Viruses are not susceptible to antibiotics such as the Z pack.

Specific antivirals may target and kill viruses, but the Z pack is not one of them. Taking the Z pack will not help with a cold in any way.

Share on PinterestA person should drink extra water when they have a common cold.

The common cold usually lasts a few days, and the body can deal with it without outside help.

So, in general, there is not much that a person needs to do when fighting a cold, as the body will do the most work.

However, there are some things a person can do to help support the body, including:

• drinking extra water
• getting plenty of rest
• avoiding too much activity

If symptoms become uncomfortable or interfere with daily life, over-the-counter drugs may help treat symptoms until the body can get rid itself of the underlying infection.

Some drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), target symptoms individually, which helps reduce fever and pain. Other drugs, such as cough syrups, may contain different medicines to treat many symptoms at once.

Always follow the instructions on the label and avoid using these drugs in children. Some drugs have children’s versions available, and anyone who is uncertain should talk to their pediatrician before dosing their child.

The common cold tends to go away on its own, as the body deals with the underlying viral infection. There are still steps a person can take to help prevent the cold or prevent the spread of the cold.

These include:

• regularly washing the hands
• covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue
• avoiding touching the face or other people’s faces

Most common illnesses, such as the cold and flu, do not generally require antibiotics. The viruses will not respond to antibiotics at all, so using them is unnecessary unless a bacterial infection is present.

If a bacterial infection is getting out of hand or the person’s health or life is at stake, the doctor might recommend antibiotics.

There is no reason to take a Z pack to treat the cold. Anyone with concerns about their health during cold and flu season may want to consider discussing their options with a healthcare professional and taking measures to protect themselves from airborne viruses.

What does Z-Pack treat?

According to MedlinePlus, Z-Pak contains azithromycin tablets and is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. It also prevents and treats a lung infection called Mycobacterium avium complex, which often affects people with HIV. Sometimes azithromycin is used to treat H. pylori infection, traveler’s diarrhea, legionnaires’ disease, whooping cough, and babesiosis.

Before taking Z-Pak, MedlinePlus advises the patient to inform their healthcare provider of drug allergies and any current medications, vitamins and supplements they are taking so that interactions can be checked.

It is also important for the clinician to know if the patient has a personal or family history of a heart condition called a long QT interval or a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. The patient is also advised to report if they have a history of low blood magnesium or potassium or if they have a blood infection, AIDS or HIV, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, myasthenia gravis, kidney disease, or liver disease. A woman should tell her doctor if she is pregnant, may become pregnant, or is breastfeeding.

MedlinePlus states that some people experience side effects with azithromycin, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and stomach pain. The doctor needs to be aware of these side effects only if they are severe or persistent.

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Azithromycin (Systemic | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

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This document, provided by Lexicomp ^® , contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: US

Zithromax; Zithromax Tri-Pak; Zithromax Z-Pak

Brand names: Canada

ACT Azithromycin [DSC]; AG-Azithromycin; APO-Azithromycin Z; AURO-Azithromycin; DOM-Azithromycin; GD-Azithromycin [DSC]; GEN-Azithromycin; JAMP-Azithromycin; M-Azithromycin; Mar-Azithromycin; NRA-Azithromycin; PMS-Azithromycin; PRO-Azithromycin; RATIO-Azithromycin; RIVA-Azithromycin; SANDOZ Azithromycin; TEVA-Azithromycin; Zithromax

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat and prevent bacterial infections.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

• If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
• If you have had yellowing of the skin or liver damage from this drug in the past.
• If you have any of the following health problems: ECG QTc prolongation or other abnormal heart rhythms, bradycardia, or low potassium or magnesium levels.
• If you have heart failure (weak heart).
• If you have ever had a certain type of heart rhythm disorder (torsades de pointes).
• If you are taking any medicines that can cause a certain kind of abnormal heart rhythm (QT interval prolongation). There are many drugs that can cause these problems. If you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:

• Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
• Do not use beyond the prescribed time. A secondary infection may occur.
• There was a serious reaction that could be deadly. In most cases, this reaction was accompanied by symptoms such as fever, rash, inflammation of the lymph nodes, and dysfunction of various organs such as the liver, kidneys, blood, heart, muscles, joints and lungs. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
• Severe changes in heart rate, such as QT interval prolongation, have been observed with this drug. In some cases, they can pose a threat to life or lead to death. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
• If you have severe myasthenia gravis, consult your doctor. If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. Signs of severe myasthenia have also been noted in people who did not have this disease. If you develop or worsen muscle weakness, difficulty chewing or swallowing, shortness of breath, droopy eyelids, blurred vision or double vision, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

Newborns:

• While taking this drug in newborns, very serious stomach problems arose. Call your doctor right away if your baby vomits or becomes irritable while feeding.

Which side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that could be associated with serious side effects:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
• Chest pain, angina pectoris, tachycardia, or abnormal heart rhythm.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Hearing change.
• Heat.
• Swelling of the gland.
• Vision change.
• Diarrhea often occurs when taking antibiotics. In rare cases, severe diarrhea caused by the bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff.) [CDAD] may occur. Sometimes this leads to intestinal problems, ending in death. CDAD may occur during or several months after antibiotics are taken. If you experience pain, abdominal cramps, or very loose, watery, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately. Check with your doctor before treating diarrhea.
• The use of this drug was accompanied by violations of the liver. In rare cases, these disorders have resulted in death. Call your doctor right away if you develop signs of liver problems such as dark urine, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea or abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Possible severe skin reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis). This can lead to severe health problems, which can be permanent, and sometimes death. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as redness, swelling of the skin with blistering or peeling (with or without fever), redness or irritation of the eyes, and sores in the mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

All formulations:

• Headache.
• Abdominal pain or diarrhea.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Injection:

• Pain at the injection site.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

Zmax:

• Take this drug on an empty stomach. Take the drug no later than 1 hour before or no earlier than 2 hours after a meal.
• Shake well before use.
• Apply within 12 hours after preparation.
• If you vomit within 1 hour of taking this drug, talk with your doctor to find out what to do next.

All other oral preparations:

• Take this drug with or without food.
• Do not take antacids containing magnesium or aluminum at the same time as this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
• Keep taking this drug as instructed by your doctor or other health care professional, even if you feel well.

Liquid (suspension):

• Shake well before use.
• Liquid doses should be measured with caution. Use the dispenser that comes with the medication. If the dispenser is not provided in the package, ask the pharmacist for a dosing agent for this drug.

Packs:

• Pour the powder from the bag into 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water. Mix well and drink. Rinse the cup with additional water and drink.

Injection:

• This drug is administered by infusion intravenously continuously for a certain time.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

Tablets and liquid form (suspension):

• Take the missed dose as soon as you can.
• If it’s time for your next dose, don’t take the missed dose and then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.

All other oral preparations:

• You only need to take 1 dose of this drug. If you forget to take your next dose, take it as soon as you remember.

Injection:

• See your doctor for further instructions.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

Liquid (suspension):

• Store the liquid (suspension) at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused serving after 10 days.
• Store in primary container.
• The lid must be tightly closed.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

All other oral preparations:

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.

Zmax:

• After mixing, do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Injection:

• If you need to store this drug at home, check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for storage conditions.

All forms:

• Keep all medicines in a safe place. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

• If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
• Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. Check with your pharmacist. If you have questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
• If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient. It should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a physician based on a medical examination and assessment of the patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients should consult with their physician for full information about their health, medical issues, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding the use of medications.