What is Zmax?


Zmax is a single-dose, liquid antibiotic for the treatment of certain types of infections.

  • Adults can take Zmax for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS)1* and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)1†
  • Children ages 6 months and older can take Zmax for the treatment of CAP1

Only your doctor can tell you if you have ABS or CAP.


Zmax gives you a full course of treatment in a single, high dose. You take just one dose, one time. When you take Zmax, you don't have to worry about taking all of the medicine or skipping doses. In ABS and CAP clinical trials, at least 90% of patients who took Zmax got better with one dose.2-4


*The names of the bacteria that Zmax treats for ABS: Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella
 catarrhalis, or Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients appropriate for oral therapy.1

†The names of the bacteria that Zmax treats for CAP: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus
 influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or Streptococcus pneumoniae in patients appropriate for
 oral therapy.1


How do I know if I should take Zmax?


Zmax works only for infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It does not work for infections not caused by bacteria, like the common cold. Only your doctor can tell you if Zmax is right for you. If you think you have ABS or CAP, be sure to see your doctor.


Do I need to prepare Zmax?


If you get Zmax in liquid form, it is ready to take. If you get Zmax as dry powder, you must add water to the bottle before you take it.


To Prepare Zmax as a Dry Powder:

Open the pouch and take out the bottle with the dry powder.
To open the bottle, press down on the cap and twist.
Use a measuring cup to add 60 mL (¼ cup) water to the Zmax bottle.
Tightly close the bottle and shake to mix it.


What does Zmax taste like?


Zmax comes in a pleasant-tasting cherry-banana flavor. It is taken as a liquid.


How do I take Zmax?


If you get Zmax in liquid form, it is ready to take. Taking Zmax on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before eating or 2 hours after eating) may help reduce the occurrence of some side effects. Keep Zmax at room temperature (77°F or 25°C). Do not refrigerate or freeze. Use it within 12 hours after you get it from the pharmacy. Shake Zmax well before taking.

Both adults and children only need to take Zmax one time.


  • Adults should take all the medicine in the bottle, and drink it all at once.
  • You should give your child only the amount of Zmax prescribed by your doctor. Try giving your child Zmax in small sips with a dosing cup or spoon. Any unused Zmax should be discarded

If you get Zmax as a dry powder, you must add water to the bottle before you take it.

  • Measure ¼ cup of water
  • Open the bottle and add ¼ cup of water
  • Close the bottle and shake until the powder is well mixed

How will I know Zmax is working?


Remember that Zmax is similar to other antibiotics. It works over time to clear up the infection. Most patients begin to feel better in a few days.5


What are the possible side effects?


Common Side Effects

Like all medicines, Zmax may cause some side effects. Side effects in Zmax clinical studies were generally mild to moderate. The most common side effects were:

  • Diarrhea/loose stools1
  • Nausea1
  • Stomach pain1

For patients who took Zmax and got diarrhea, most cases of diarrhea went away by day 2.


Less Common Side Effects

Other less-common side effects reported with Zmax were:

  • Headache
  • Vomiting

Patients who vomit within the first hour of taking Zmax should contact their doctor.1


IMPORTANT: Allergic Reactions May Occur

Zmax is not for patients who have allergies to some antibiotics. You should always tell your doctor if you have allergic reactions to medicines.


Get emergency help right away if you have:

  • Hives, trouble swallowing, or your face or throat swells after taking Zmax
  • Wheezing or trouble breathing after taking Zmax

These symptoms could go away and then come back.

IMPORTANT: Watch for Severe Diarrhea

A small amount of diarrhea may be common with most antibiotics. But diarrhea that does not go away can be serious. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea that does not go away, is severe, watery, or has blood in it.


For a list of all side effects reported with Zmax, ask your doctor or pharmacist.