Will my medicine work?

[Expecting_Kamden]

I was given zithromax pills to cure an infection, the pills were to big for me to swallow so I let them dissolve in a little water, then drunk them. Will they have the same effect even though I did not swallow them whole????

[Expecting_Kamden]

Thanks !

[Carrie Fu, PharmD]

Dear Expecting_Kamden:

Azithromycin (Zithromax) is film-coated, but it is ok to dissolve the tablet in water. However, make sure you take the full dose. Also, next time, if you have problem swallowing, you can ask the pharmacist to dispense it as suspension for you.

Please make sure you finish the full course of antibiotic, even if you feel better after a few days of treatment.

Take care!

For more information, please go to:
ZITHROMAX (azithromycin dihydrate) tablet, film coated
ZITHROMAX (azithromycin dihydrate) powder, for suspension
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=db52b91e-79f7-4cc1-9564-f2eee8e31c45