What does azithromycin contain

Some examples of common dosages include :. Using antibiotics incorrectly can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, meaning that antibiotics no longer work against them. This is called antibiotic resistance. Learn more about antibiotic resistance here. Like all drugs, azithromycin can have certain side effects. These are usually minor. In clinical trials, only 0. People who have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness, may develop worsening symptoms or breathing problems.

People with a history of allergic reactions to macrolides or ketolides should not take azithromycin. People should not rely on azithromycin to treat syphilis. A person should speak to a doctor about any existing heart, kidney, and liver conditions before taking azithromycin, including an irregular heartbeat and especially QT prolongation.

A large cohort study found a small increase in the risk of cardiovascular death among people taking azithromycin. The risk was higher among those with other risk factors for heart disease , such as smoking, low physical activity levels, and a high body mass index BMI. The study reported that when compared with amoxicillin, there were 47 additional cardiovascular deaths per 1 million azithromycin prescriptions. Among people with the highest risk of heart disease, there were more deaths per 1 million courses of azithromycin.

This suggests that other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be a safer option for people with heart disease or certain types of heart arrythmias. In , the FDA issued a warning about the long term use of azithromycin in people with certain blood or lymph node cancers who have stem cell transplants.

Emerging research has suggested that azithromycin may increase the risk of cancer relapse in these people. Following a stem cell transplant, some people take azithromycin to reduce the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The FDA have not approved azithromycin for this use, however. Rarely, azithromycin can cause liver toxicity. People should stop taking the drug and call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of liver problems, including dark urine, itching, or yellow eyes.

In newborns younger than 42 days old , azithromycin may cause a dangerous condition called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Caregivers should contact a doctor if a baby becomes irritable or vomits when eating. For example, using azithromycin while taking nelfinavir, which is a drug that helps treat HIV , can increase the risk of liver abnormalities and hearing problems.

A person should tell a doctor about all current medications, supplements, and remedies before taking azithromycin. Always speak to a doctor before stopping taking medications.

Studies of animals who received very large doses of azithromycin did not find an increased risk of miscarriage or birth defects. Although it is generally safe to use when breastfeeding, azithromycin may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or a rash in some babies. A person should tell a doctor if they are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking azithromycin.

If a nursing infant develops side effects while the parent is taking azithromycin, call a doctor for advice. The brand name version of azithromycin Zithromax is typically more expensive than the generic version. Azithromycin treats many of the same infections that drugs such as penicillin and amoxicillin can treat. A doctor may prescribe azithromycin as an alternative to other antibiotics because it typically requires a shorter course.

It is also a good option for people with a history of allergies to other medications, or when other antibiotics do not work. Because the risk of heart health problems is higher with azithromycin than with some other antibiotics, people with heart disease or arrhythmias should ask their doctor about trying a different antibiotic. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that can treat many types of bacterial infection. It can also prevent these infections from getting worse or spreading.

Like all antibiotics, it presents some risks, so it is important to only take it under the guidance of a medical professional. Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. However, they can cause side effects, such as digestive issues, fungal infections, and…. Alcohol can interact with some antibiotics. This interaction can reduce their effectiveness or cause mild to severe side effects. In this article, we…. Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away:.

In rare cases it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to azithromycin. These aren't all the side effects of azithromycin. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet. Azithromycin isn't normally recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. But your doctor may prescribe it if the benefits of taking azithromycin are greater than the risks.

Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before you start azithromycin:. You should also let your doctor know if you're taking any medicines for an irregular heartbeat arrhythmia , such as amiodarone or sotalol. Azithromycin can sometimes affect your heartbeat, so it's best not to take it with other medicines that have the same side effect.

For this reason, it's important that you tell your doctor if you're taking medicines that can affect your heartbeat as a side effect. Check the leaflets that come with your medicines and talk to a pharmacist or your doctor if you have any worries. There are no known problems with taking herbal remedies or supplements alongside azithromycin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

Azithromycin is from a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. Macrolide antibiotics work by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. There are other macrolide antibiotics that work in the same way as azithromycin.

They include erythromycin and clarithromycin. It's usual to take azithromycin once a day. For erythromycin, it's usually 4 times a day, and twice a day for clarithromycin. Erythromycin is more likely to cause diarrhoea than either azithromycin or clarithromycin.

All macrolides can be used to treat chest and skin infections. Azithromycin and erythromycin can also be used to treat sexually transmitted infections. Clarithromycin can also be used to treat Helicobacter pylori, bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers. Azithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics kill similar types of bacteria to penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. Some people are allergic to penicillin antibiotics - they can take macrolides like azithromycin instead.

It's very important that you keep taking azithromycin until your course is finished. Do this even if you feel better. It'll help stop the infection coming back. Tell your doctor if you don't start feeling better after taking azithromycin for 3 days. Also tell them if, at any time, you start to feel worse. Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like azithromycin. Antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to protect you against thrush.

Symptoms of thrush in the mouth include redness and itching. Women may get vaginal itching. Azithromycin doesn't stop contraceptive pills, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. But if azithromycin makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea 6 to 8 watery poos in 24 hours for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.

Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're being sick or have diarrhoea. There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking azithromycin will reduce fertility in either men or women. However speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Azithromycin can cause dizziness. If you're affected by it, do not drive, ride a bike or operate machinery. Page last reviewed: 6 December Next review due: 6 December Azithromycin On this page About azithromycin Key facts Who can and cannot take azithromycin How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About azithromycin Azithromycin is an antibiotic. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today? Azithromycin is usually taken once a day.

Try to take it at the same time each day. If you have tablets or liquid, you can take them with or without food. For most infections you should feel better within a few days, but you should still finish your full course of medicine. The most common side effects of azithromycin are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, headaches, or changes to your sense of taste. Azithromycin is also called by the brand name Zithromax. Azithromycin can be taken by adults and children.

To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicines in the past liver or kidney problems heart problems, including irregular heartbeats arrhythmia had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before myasthenia gravis - azithromycin can worsen the symptoms of this muscle-weakening illness diabetes - azithromycin liquid contains sugar.

Important Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. How to take it If your doctor has prescribed azithromycin capsules, you should take them at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating. Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a glass of water. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Common side effects These common side effects of azithromycin happen in more than 1 in people.

Keep taking the medicine, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away: feeling sick nausea diarrhoea or being sick vomiting losing your appetite headaches feeling dizzy or tired changes to your sense of taste Serious side effects Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 1, people. Call a doctor straight away if you get: chest pains or a faster or irregular heartbeat yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or pale poo with dark pee - these can be signs of liver or gallbladder problems ringing in your ears tinnitus , temporary hearing loss, or you feel unsteady on your feet vertigo severe pain in your stomach or back - these can be warning signs of inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis diarrhoea perhaps with muscle cramps that contains blood or mucus - if you have severe diarrhoea without blood or mucus for more than 4 days you should also speak to a doctor Serious allergic reaction In rare cases it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to azithromycin.

Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit Yellow Card for further information. What to do about: feeling sick nausea - stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine. Take small, frquent sips if you're being sick.