Are There Alternatives To Z
The medications clarithromycin or are sometimes used as alternatives to the Z-Pak, according to Chirag Shah, MD, board-certified emergency medicine physician and co-founder of Push Health. However, these alternatives will not always work to treat the infection for which the Z-Pak was prescribed in the first place, and consultation with ones medical provider is recommended before changing medications.
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Otitis Media
KALYANAKRISHNAN RAMAKRISHNAN, MD, FRCSE RHONDA A. SPARKS, MD and WAYNE E. BERRYHILL, MD
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Am Fam Physician. 2007 Dec 1 76:1650-1658.
Patient information: See related handout on ear infections in children, written by the authors of this article.
Acute otitis media, a viral or bacterial infection of the middle ear, is the most common infection for which antibiotics are prescribed for children in the United States.1,2 Direct and indirect costs of treatment and time lost from school and work because of acute otitis media totaled nearly $3 billion in 1995.3 Acute otitis media is most common between six and 24 months of age by age three, more than 80 percent of children have been diagnosed.4
Otitis media with effusion is middle ear effusion in the absence of acute infection. About 2.2 million cases of otitis media with effusion occur annually in the United States.5 Chronic suppurative otitis media is persistent infection and resultant perforation of the tympanic membrane.6 This article will review recent evidence, including the evidence-based guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, about the diagnosis and treatment of acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion.1,5
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The Rise Of Antimicrobial Resistance
Today, doctors have a better understanding of which antibiotics are best used for which illnesses and how the overuse of antibiotics like Z-paks contribute to antibiotic resistance. The more we use antibiotics inappropriately, the more we create bacteria that are resistant.
Its interesting that we used to think of azithromycin as a cure-all for everything, because thats what led to overprescribing and its demise, said Emir Kobic, a clinical pharmacy specialist in infectious diseases at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. Its no longer the first line antibiotic physicians should be prescribing for patients with community-acquired pneumonia where Streptococcus pneumoniae still tends to be the most common bacterial culprit.
The inappropriate use and overuse of Z-paks has led Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance rates to rise as high as 20-30% in America, Dr. Kobic said. This stat should be concerning, because the majority of pharmaceutical companies are not investing to develop new antibiotics, and if they are patients will be paying higher co-pays and out of pocket costs on future antibiotics.
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Azithromycin Vs Amoxicillin: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
If you have ever suffered from a bacterial sinus infection or a variety of other types of bacterial infections, chances are you have taken an antibiotic. Azithromycin and amoxicillin are two of the most common antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial infections, and will not work for viral infections such as the flu or common cold.
Azithromycin is also known by its brand name Zithromax . It is classified in a group of medications called macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin works by binding to the bacteria and preventing the bacteria from producing proteins that it needs to survive. Azithromycin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections like sinus infections, pneumonia, and certain sexually transmitted diseases, to name a few.
Amoxicillin is known by its brand name of Amoxil, and it is classified in a group of medications called penicillin antibiotics. Amoxicillin works by preventing bacteria from forming cell walls, which kills the bacteria. Amoxicillin is commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, pneumonia, and throat infections, among others.
Although both medications are antibiotics, they have many differences. Continue reading to learn more about azithromycin and amoxicillin.
What To Do For Chronic Sinusitis
If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis or you are getting frequent sinus infections you should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani.
Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed.
Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens.
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How Long Should It Take For A Z
Question posted by kathyhanson on 3 April 2013
I take the last of the Z-Pak tomorrow. The doctor gave me an injection of antibiotic and steroid on Monday. Still can strongly smell the infection. It is making me extremely nauseated. The sinus headache is horrible. Also using the normal saline nose spray. I canât decide if it is too soon to call doctor or if I should finish the antibiotics and wait a couple of days. Iâm also doing my Hizentra infusion today. Maybe the boost for my immune system will help. Any thoughts?
endlessPred
Hello. Am behind in reading emails and saw yours. I also get sinus problems and am on prednisone for eight years. I no longer bother with the Z pak. It doesnât help. I doubt it is less strong. We think it no longer targets the right bacteria. Also, They have found that those nasty stinky fluids are caused by a virus and must run their course. Nasal wash helps, not just a spray. Take Mucinex Expectorant which is guiafinasen and usually works with all meds. You can get it as a prescription or over the counter. It helps relieve the pressure.
+1kathyhanson
Thanks Karen, I had to get a round of Levaquin when I finished the Z-Pak. Doing great now. I wish a few days of medication would cure all of our other ails!! All of the antibiotics/steroids gave me thrush. Yuk! Finally have everything cleared up. Take care,Kathy
endlessPredkathyhansonendlessPred
Aw, shucks! You are so kind.
kathyhanson
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Fda Okays Single Dose Antibiotic For Pneumonia And Sinusitis
NEW YORK, June 14-The FDA has approved Zmax as a single-dose treatment for adults with pneumonia and certain types of acute bacterial sinusitis and pneumonia, Pfizer announced yesterday.
Having a once-only liquid antibiotic treatment could help improve compliance among older patients, said Pfizer. A single two-gram dose proved more potent than a standard dose of immediate-release Zithromax, with three times more Zmax found in tissue during the first 24 hours, said the New York drug firm.
Results showed that one dose of Zmax was as effective as currently available treatments that must be taken for seven to 10 days, said Joseph Feczko, M.D., a vice president and chief medical officer for Pfizer.
Zmax is released into the small intestine instead of the stomach, said Pfizer, providing a surge in drug levels during the onset of a bacterial infection when the bacterial count is highest.
The drug is designed to treat acute bacterial sinusitis caused by Haemophilu influenzae, Morxella catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae, and also community-acquired pneumonia caused by Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Clinical trials showed diarrhea and loose stools to be the most common complaint associated with Zmax, followed by nausea and abdominal pain. Pfizer said diarrhea cleared up within two days among the Zmax-treated patients.
Related article:
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Azithromycin Uses For Kids
Though azithromycin is approved for pediatric use, its safety and effectiveness in kids under the age of 6 months haven’t been established. The drug has been approved to treat the following pediatric conditions:
Zithromax is often used off-label for other mild to moderate pediatric infections that are caused by susceptible bacteria, including walking pneumonia and pertussis .
Zithromax is generally not used as first-line treatment unless the first-line antibiotic has failed or the child has an allergy to the preferred drug.
Increasing rates of azithromycin resistance mean that the drug is generally reserved for second-line use. For strep throat, penicillin is the preferred agent. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends amoxicillin as the first-line drug of choice for ear infections.
How Should I Take Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack oral is taken by mouth. Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually for 2 days before you switch to Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack oral. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
You may take Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack oral with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Use Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack 3 Day Dose Pack for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.
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Is This The Correct Antibiotic
The good news is that most children with ear infections do get the right prescription. In a separate report in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Adam Hersh of the University of Utah and colleagues found that 67 percent two-thirds of children with ear infections got the correct prescription. But only 37 percent of adults with sore throats and sinus infections did.
This study provides evidence of substantial overuse of nonfirst-line antibiotics.
The teams used two big national surveys from 2010 and 2011, which they said were the latest available. We do not have reason to believe practice patterns have substantially changed, Hershs team wrote.
Medical experts have been complaining about the misuse of antibiotics for two decades, but the message still is not getting through, Hyun said.
Patients also need to get tough on themselves and their doctors. Ask: Is an antibiotic really needed? Is this the correct antibiotic? he said.
The CDC says more than 2 million people are infected by drug-resistant germs each year, and 23,000 die of their infections
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Rare Cases Can Turn Serious
Antibiotics also can help ward off rare but potentially dangerous complications that arise when a sinus infection spreads to the eyes or brain, Dr. Sindwani says.
Complications around the eyes are the more common of the two. These complications can cause redness, swelling around the eyes and reduced vision, and even lead to blindness in a severe form known as cavernous sinus thrombosis. Serious cases are immediately treated with IV antibiotics. Patients are usually admitted to the hospital for a CT scan to see if fluid needs to be drained, Dr. Sindwani says.
Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of ones head can spread into the brain. This can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or brain abscess, Dr. Sindwani says.
Before antibiotics, people would die from sinusitis, he says. But he emphasizes that such complications are unlikely. In most cases, the bacterial infection goes away, especially if you dont have underlying medical problems.
Its important to monitor your symptoms if you suspect a sinus infection. If the condition lingers or worsens, call your doctor.
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When To Seek Medical Care
See a doctor if you have:
- Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.
- Symptoms that get worse after initially improving.
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.
- Fever longer than 3-4 days.
You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.
This list is not all-inclusive. Please see a doctor for any symptom that is severe or concerning.
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a sinus infection, including:
- Seasonal allergies
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Z Pack For Sinus Infection Not Working Still Congested
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How Zithromax Works
Zithromax belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides, which are bacteriostatic meaning they treat infections by preventing bacteria from multiplying and producing the proteins that are essential for their growth. Eventually, the remaining bacteria die or are killed by the immune system, not by the drug itself. This is in contrast to bactericidal antibiotics, which kill bacteria. Bactericidal drugs include fluoroquinolones and penicillin.
Zithromax does not break down in the body as quickly as other antibiotics. Instead of floating freely in the blood, the drug molecules are picked up by white blood cells that fight bacteria. The white blood cells take the medicine to the front lines of their struggle with germs, where it becomes concentrated in the tissues surrounding the infection. That concentration helps it remain in the body longer, which means patients need fewer doses to beat their infections.
What Are The Side
Side-effects are not very common but some people may experience indigestion like symptoms, loose stools, nausea and vomiting.
Serious side-effects are also very rare and may include blurring of vision, reduced hearing, difficulty speaking and swallowing and occasionally problems with the liver. If you encounter any of these symptoms, please make sure you inform your physician straightaway.
Allergic responses to antibiotics are a known phenomenon and azithromycin is no exception. If an allergic response develops, seek medical attention immediately.
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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 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.
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What Are The Risks
Z-paks have been around long enough that the drug is known to be well tolerated by most patients, however, it does carry some risks.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the pills can cause abnormal changes in the heart’s electrical activity that may lead to a fatal heart rhythm.
A benefit versus risk analysis should be performed on patients with existing QT interval prolongation, elderly patients and patients with a history of cardiac disease, Dr. Kobic said. But, overall the risk of ventricular arrhythmia is very low and reported as less than 1% in clinical trials.
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When To See A Doctor
If you have worrying signs of an infection, its best to see your primary care physician before beginning antibiotic treatment using azithromycin.
Many common infections are actually viral, and will resolve on their own without antibiotics.
Azithromycin is not the right treatment for all types of bacterial infections.
Your provider can determine if antibiotics are needed at all, which antibiotics are safe and effective for your infection, and what dosage will work best.
If you have already begun using azithromycin and are not seeing improvement in your symptoms or are getting worse, speak to your healthcare provider.
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Who Can And Cannot Take Azithromycin
Azithromycin can be taken by adults and children.
It isnt suitable for some people. To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicines in the past
- liver or kidney problems
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When Do I Really Need Antibiotics For A Sinus Infection
When do I really need antibiotics for a sinus infection? is a question many patients have when suffering from bothersome sinus and allergy problems. While sinus infections can be quite painful, antibiotics often do not help in treating the condition.
Sinus infections affect approximately 37 million people in the U.S. each year and can be caused by:
- Nasal polyps or deviated septum causing nasal obstruction
- Irritants/pollutants
The majority of sinus infections are viral in nature, and antibiotics do not cure viral infections. Taking antibiotics for viral infections also will not:
- Keep you from being contagious to others
- Relieve symptoms or make you feel better
In order to distinguish a bacterial sinus infection from an infection caused by a virus or other contributing factor, your doctor will observe your symptoms and possibly conduct other tests, such as a CT scan or cultures.
Antibiotics are only effective on bacterial infections, and even in cases involving bacteria, the body can often cure itself of mild or moderate infections within a few days.