Z-Pak is an antibiotic that treats certain illnesses caused by bacterial infections. Z-Pak contains azithromycin, which is helpful in the treatment of respiratory infections, pneumonia and urinary tract infections, among others. While Z-Pak is a powerful drug, it is not effective in treating infections caused by a virus.
What is Z-Pak?
Z-Pak is a powerful antibiotic that is generally taken in a shorter course than the average antibiotic; per drugs.com, it is available in both three-day dosage and five-day dosage. Z-Pak contains the antibiotic Zithromax, which is also known by the generic name azithromycin. The difference between Z-Pak and azithromycin is the way it is packaged; it comes in a blister pack as opposed to a prescription pill bottle, with specific dosage guidelines. When you open the card, it specifically reads which dose to take and when. PubMed reports that azithromycin works by stopping the new growth of bacteria. Over the course of several days, this promotes recovery from an illness caused by bacterial spread.
What Does Z-Pak Treat?
Because Z-Pak is an antibiotic, it treats infections caused by bacteria only. Infections or illnesses caused by a virus, such as the common cold and flu, won't be affected by azithromycin. Upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinus infections and pneumonia, however, often are relieved by azithromycin. Other conditions for which Z-Pak may be appropriate are ear infections and some infections of the skin. Most infections caused by staph are responsive to azithromycin, and a Z-Pak may be prescribed over other antibiotics to get rid of them quickly.
Other Possible Uses
While not a first line of defense, Pfizer reports that Z-Pak can be used to fight illness caused by strep in those who cannot use penicillin, which is the first drug of choice. These include people who are allergic to penicillin. However, they do report that some strains of strep are resistant to azithromycin, which is one of their precautions when using the drug. It may also be used as a treatment certain sexually transmitted diseases. Z-Pak is not just for adults; according to the Pfizer website, a five-day course calibrated for the needs of children is available. KidsHealth from Nemours reports that it can be used for many of the same respiratory and skin illnesses as adults. For kids who have difficulty swallowing pills, a liquid form of the Z-Pak dose is also available.
Precautions
While certainly effective for many people, Z-Pak is not appropriate for everyone. Those who have jaundice or other liver disorders should not use azithromycin. While not necessarily contraindicated for these conditions, those with myasthenia gravis and certain heart conditions, as well as women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, should be closely monitored while on this antibiotic. Other antibiotics may be more appropriate for these groups. Also, those with allergies to related antibiotics should avoid using Z-Pak. Z-Pak requires a doctor's prescription for purchase.
