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Zithromax Uses

The prescription antibiotic Zithromax is used to treat a number of common bacterial infections in children and adults. A few of these infections include sinus, throat, ear, and skin infections. Zithromax is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chancroid. Some off-label Zithromax uses include the treatment of acne, whooping cough, and cat scratch disease.

 

Zithromax Uses: An Overview

Zithromax® (azithromycin) is a prescription antibiotic licensed to treat a number of infections in both children and adults. Some of these Zithromax uses include:
 
  • Treatment of bacterial infections
  • Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
     
Bacterial Infections
Zithromax is most commonly used to treat the following infections:
 
  • Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis
  • Ear infections (otitis media)
  • Sinus infections (sinusitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • Throat infections (tonsillitis/pharyngitis)
  • Skin infections, such as cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
     
Zithromax may also used to treat a number of other more uncommon bacterial infections.
 
Zithromax is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.
 
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, represent a group of infections that are transmitted among people via direct sexual contact. People who have been infected with an STD usually experience painful discharge and a number of various symptoms that accompany inflammation of the cervix or urethra. Zithromax is commonly used to treat STDs including:
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;