Guest guest Posted May 19, 2002 Report Share Posted May 19, 2002 Actually, the package inserts for Zithromax are confusing. They acutally have three package inserts out, one for the IV form and two for the oral forms. They make the 600 mg in tablet form only. The 250 mg came in capsules and tablets, which are actually shaped like capsules, but now they only have a single form, which is all you get. They have an oral suspension and a powder, which may or may not be less irritating depending on your stomach. The new formulation of the 250 mg can be taken with or without food and supposedly have a slightly higher maximum concentration achieved, but the total area under the curve of concentration vs time is the same as without food -- but not food with minerals such as Mg or Zn, etc. Be sure you space out the acidophilus several hours, preferably at least 4 from the Zithromax. Another option is to take the 600 mg every other day to give the stomach some recouperation time, instead of the 250 qd. My stomach seems to have a high tolerance for Zithromax, so I can take it on an empty stomach, but if it were to irritate me, I would take it with a small meal. > Does anyone know which form of Zithromax (either the capsules or the > tablets) are easier on the stomach? I have been taking the tablets, > but find that they upset my stomach even though I take acidophilus > and take them with food. I was wondering if the capsules are easier on > the stomach, and also if taking the Zithromax with food makes it less > effective. > Thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2002 Report Share Posted May 19, 2002 Actually, the package inserts for Zithromax are confusing. They acutally have three package inserts out, one for the IV form and two for the oral forms. They make the 600 mg in tablet form only. The 250 mg came in capsules and tablets, which are actually shaped like capsules, but now they only have a single form, which is all you get. They have an oral suspension and a powder, which may or may not be less irritating depending on your stomach. The new formulation of the 250 mg can be taken with or without food and supposedly have a slightly higher maximum concentration achieved, but the total area under the curve of concentration vs time is the same as without food -- but not food with minerals such as Mg or Zn, etc. Be sure you space out the acidophilus several hours, preferably at least 4 from the Zithromax. Another option is to take the 600 mg every other day to give the stomach some recouperation time, instead of the 250 qd. My stomach seems to have a high tolerance for Zithromax, so I can take it on an empty stomach, but if it were to irritate me, I would take it with a small meal. > Does anyone know which form of Zithromax (either the capsules or the > tablets) are easier on the stomach? I have been taking the tablets, > but find that they upset my stomach even though I take acidophilus > and take them with food. I was wondering if the capsules are easier on > the stomach, and also if taking the Zithromax with food makes it less > effective. > Thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2002 Report Share Posted May 19, 2002 Actually, the package inserts for Zithromax are confusing. They acutally have three package inserts out, one for the IV form and two for the oral forms. They make the 600 mg in tablet form only. The 250 mg came in capsules and tablets, which are actually shaped like capsules, but now they only have a single form, which is all you get. They have an oral suspension and a powder, which may or may not be less irritating depending on your stomach. The new formulation of the 250 mg can be taken with or without food and supposedly have a slightly higher maximum concentration achieved, but the total area under the curve of concentration vs time is the same as without food -- but not food with minerals such as Mg or Zn, etc. Be sure you space out the acidophilus several hours, preferably at least 4 from the Zithromax. Another option is to take the 600 mg every other day to give the stomach some recouperation time, instead of the 250 qd. My stomach seems to have a high tolerance for Zithromax, so I can take it on an empty stomach, but if it were to irritate me, I would take it with a small meal. > Does anyone know which form of Zithromax (either the capsules or the > tablets) are easier on the stomach? I have been taking the tablets, > but find that they upset my stomach even though I take acidophilus > and take them with food. I was wondering if the capsules are easier on > the stomach, and also if taking the Zithromax with food makes it less > effective. > Thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2002 Report Share Posted May 20, 2002 , taking Zithromax with food has only a minimal effect on absorption, so it should be fine. I don't know about any difference between the two formulations. Next time you fill a script, ask your doctor for the other formulation and see if it helps. Whichever formulation, try taking the Zithromax after your biggest meal of the day, with a full glass of water. Ideally the drug should be taken every 24 hours, but you can vary the time by a few hours without significant impact on your blood level if it makes it easier for you to take it. The acidophilus helps with diarrhea, not stomach irritation. Good luck! Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > Does anyone know which form of Zithromax (either the capsules or the > tablets) are easier on the stomach? I have been taking the tablets, > but find that they upset my stomach even though I take acidophilus > and take them with food. I was wondering if the capsules are easier on > the stomach, and also if taking the Zithromax with food makes it less > effective. > Thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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