Azithromycin is an antibiotic effective against bacterial infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of the skin, throat, sinuses, lungs, ears, and reproductive organs.
Azithromycin Uses
Azithromycin treats bacterial infections, excluding viral infections like cold and fever.
It can be combined with other antibiotics to address conditions such as mycobacterium avium complex and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Azithromycin is also effective against gastrointestinal infections, lung infections, whooping cough, and diseases caused by ticks.
Azithromycin Side Effects
If you have any of these following serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Azithromycin if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
Common Azithromycin Side Effects:
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
Itching
Swelling of face
Yellowing of eyes
Loss of energy
Serious Azithromycin Side Effects:
Liver problems
Weakness
Dark urine
Pale face
QT prolongation, it can cause irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Gasping during sleep
Fainting
Allergic reactions
Breathlessness
Pale face
Hives
Skin reaction
Diarrhea
Fever
Stomach pain
Nausea
Reduced appetite
Trust your doctor’s recommendation regarding Azithromycin, as the benefits usually outweigh potential side effects. Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe reactions.
Precautions while taking Azithromycin
Prior to taking Azithromycin, consult your doctor regarding your medical history, especially if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, or certain muscle disorders.
Be aware that Azithromycin may increase your heart rate, leading to QT prolongation, which can result in irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting.
The risk of QT prolongation may be heightened if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications known to cause QT prolongation.
Individuals with low levels of potassium or magnesium in their blood may face an increased risk of QT prolongation.
Avoid using Azithromycin if you have faced these problems:
If you ever got allergic.
If you have jaundice or liver problems after taking Azithromycin.
If you’re getting some reactions due to clarithromycin and telithromycin.
Inform your doctor if you have these problems:
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Myasthenia gravis
Heartbeat disorder
Low levels of potassium in the blood
How to get rid of the side effects?
Nausea: Avoid eating spicy foods while taking Azithromycin. Try to have simple meals.
Diarrhea or Vomiting: Try drinking enough water to avoid dehydration. Drink a small sip of warm water if you’re sick. Avoid using any other types of medicine for the treatment of diarrhea and vomiting.
Losing of appetite: Eat small meals for every 2-3 hour break. Try having nutritious snacks which are high in calories and protein
Headaches: Drink plenty of water. If you are facing a severe headache, ask your doctor to prescribe you with pain killers.
Dizziness or Tired
Rise and sit slowly if feeling dizzy while standing; lying down may further alleviate symptoms.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption to manage dizziness effectively.
Azithromycin is utilized for lung infections in HIV patients.
Specifically, Azithromycin is prescribed for children to address ear and chest infections.
Azithromycin is available in various forms: Tablets | Capsules | Syrup | Eye drops
How to take Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is available in tablet, syrup, and capsule forms for various infections.
Tablets are typically taken once daily with or without food for 1-5 days, or weekly for disseminated MAC infection.
Zmax should be taken on an empty stomach, usually at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take Azithromycin at the same time daily to minimize side effects, following the doctor’s advice or prescription.
Shake Azithromycin syrup well before use and use a dosing spoon or measuring cup for accuracy.
Rinse the measuring device before and after use.
If using Azithromycin powder (Zithromax) in single-dose, mix it with water before consumption.
Vomiting within one hour of taking the medicine requires consultation with the doctor regarding the next dose.
Improvement is typically noticed within a few days of Azithromycin treatment, but consult the doctor if no improvement occurs.
Forms and Various strength
Generic: Azithromycin (Tablet) & 250mg, 500mg and 600mg
Brand: Zithromax (Tablet) – 250mg, 500mg
Shake Azithromycin syrup well before use and use a dosing spoon or measuring cup for accurate dosage. Rinse the measuring device with water before and after each use.
Mix the 1 gram packet of Azithromycin powder (Zithromax) with 1/4 cup of water and consume it immediately.
If you vomit within one hour of taking the medicine, consult your doctor immediately for guidance on whether to take the next dose. You should start feeling better within a few days of starting Azithromycin treatment. If you don’t see any improvement, consult your doctor.
Dosage of Azithromycin
Bronchitis: (Adult dosage & 18 years and older) An adult should take 500mg per day for 3 days. A doctor can also prescribe 500mg as a single dose on the first day and for the other two days, he may advise you to take 250mg.
Sinusitis: (Adult dosage is 500mg per day for 3 days) Child dosage (6months to 17yrs) should take 10mg/kg of body weight once in a day for 3 days
Skin infections: An adult should take 500mg per day for 3 days. Doctor can also prescribe 500mg as a single dose on the first day and for the other two days, he may advise you to take 250mg.
Urethritis and Cervicitis: If you are not treating gonorrhoea then you can take 1 gram dose in a day. If you are treating gonorrheal infection than 2gram in a day.
Ear infection: Child dosage (6month & 17 years) 30mg/kg of body weight as a single dose. The doctor may also prescribe 10mg for 3 days.
Missed dose: Missing one or two doses of Azithromycin won’t affect your body. However, taking the dosage on time is crucial for its effectiveness. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, as advised by your doctor.
Overdose Accidental drug overdoses can have harmful effects on your body’s functions. If you’ve taken more Azithromycin tablets than prescribed, it could lead to a medical emergency.
Azithromycin Warnings
Allergic reaction
Trouble breathing
Hives
Swelling of throat or tongue
Some severe skin reactions
Don’t take this drug if you have any allergies, it may cause you serious medical conditions. Consult a doctor immediately in such cases.
Warnings for serious health conditions:
Myasthenia Gravis:If any person has myasthenia gravis then the drugs may lead to some worse symptoms. Before taking Azithromycin consult your Doctor.
Heart Problems: If any person is facing difficulty in breathing or they are facing some abnormal heartbeat called QT prolongation then taking this drug can increase the arrhythmia. Consult your Doctor.
Pregnant women:Azithromycin is not extensively evaluated for use during pregnancy. While there’s no significant risk of pregnancy loss or birth defects associated with its use, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before taking the medication.
Breastfeeding:Azithromycin passes into breast milk, potentially causing side effects in breastfed infants such as diarrhea, vomiting, and rash. Prior to taking Azithromycin while breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Azithromycin Storage
Store Azithromycin at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC) to prevent damage from heat, air, and light. Before taking Azithromycin, consult your doctor. If you experience any side effects, seek medical attention immediately. Carry your medication while traveling and follow your doctor’s advice and prescription diligently.
Azithromycin vs Doxycycline
Azithromycin
Doxycycline
Azithromycin is Macrolide antibiotic
Doxycycline is Tetracycline antibiotic
Side effects of Azithromycin are Rash, nervousness, tongue discoloration and indigestion
Side effects of doxycycline are tooth discolouration and exaggerated sunburn
It is used for the treatment of infections that are caused by bacteria such as bronchitis, pneumonia and infections of skin, throat, sinuses, lungs, ears and reproductive organ
It is used for the treatment of acne, syphilis, periodontal disease, non-gonoccal urethritis and cholera
Azithromycin should not be taken with any other antibiotics without the consultation of Doctor
Doxycycline should not be taken with any other antibiotics without the consultation of Doctor
