Is Azithromycin Better Than Doxycycline At Curing Chlamydia
STD guidelines still favor azithromycin over doxycycline for the treatment of chlamydia. This is because of the following reasons:
- Cure rates of azithromycin and doxycycline are similar, 97% and 98-100% respectively, according to a meta-analysis of 12 trials.
- Azithromycin is given as a single dose, doxycycline needs to be given for seven days, either as a once-daily or twice-daily dose.
- The dose of azithromycin can be easily supervised if need be it is much harder to supervise seven days of once daily or twice daily doxycycline treatment
- People are more likely to take a single dose of azithromycin than finish a seven-day course of doxycycline.
Recently, some reports have suggested that doxycycline may be more effective than azithromycin, particularly when medication adherence can be assured. There is also some concern that azithromycin may not be as effective for anogenital chlamydial infections.
Who Can And Can’t Take Doxycycline
Doxycycline can be taken by adults and children over 12 years old. Doxycycline is not usually recommended in pregnancy or when breastfeeding.
It isn’t suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- ever had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or any other medicine in the past
- kidney problems
- myasthenia gravis, an illness that causes severe muscle wasting
What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects.A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- diarrhea
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What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia
Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all, and their infection is only picked up with a screening test.
Guidelines currently recommend that all women under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia every year. Older women at increased risk for an infection, such as those with a new sex partner, more than one sex partner, a sex partner with concurrent partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, should also be screen regularly.
Although routine screening for chlamydia in young men is not currently recommended, it should be considered in populations with a high prevalence of chlamydia or those at high risk for chlamydia .
Some people may have symptoms.
Women may notice an unusual vaginal discharge or problems when urinating , such as pain or burning, an increased need to urinate pain during sex bleeding between periods or after sex lower abdominal , or pelvic pain or cramps or.
Men may notice a discharge from their penis, pain or discomfort while urinating , or pain or swelling in their testicles.
While You Are Using Zithromax
Things you must do
If the symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, tell your doctor.
If you get severe diarrhoea, tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse immediately. Do this even if it occurs several weeks after Zithromax has been stopped. Diarrhoea may mean that you have a serious condition affecting your bowel. You may need urgent medical care. Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without first checking with your doctor.
If you get a sore, white mouth or tongue while taking, or soon after stopping Zithromax, tell your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you get vaginal itching or discharge. This may mean you have a yeast infection called thrush. Sometimes the use of Zithromax allows yeast to grow and the above symptoms to occur. Zithromax does not work against yeast.
If you become pregnant while taking Zithromax, tell your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if during treatment with Zithromax your baby develops irritability with feeding or starts vomiting. This may be a sign of a stomach disorder in the infant.
If you are about to start any new medicines, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are taking Zithromax.
Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Zithromax.
Things you must not do
Do not give Zithromax to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use Zithromax to treat any other medical complaints unless your doctor tells you to.
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Azithromycin 250 Mg Film
This information is intended for use by health professionals
Azithromycin 250 mg film-coated tablets
Each film-coated tablet contains 250 mg of azithromycin .
Excipient with known effect
Each film-coated tablet contains 6.84 mg lactose and 0.57 mg sodium.
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
Film-coated tablet
White to off-white, oval film-coated tablets with breaking notches on both sides and the embossment A 250 on one side.
The film-coated tablets can be divided into equal doses.
Azithromycin is indicated for the treatment of the following infections, when caused by microorganisms sensitive to azithromycin :
– acute bacterial sinusitis
– acute bacterial otitis media
– pharyngitis/tonsillitis
– acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
– mild to moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia
– skin and soft tissue infections of mild to moderate severity e.g. folliculitis, cellulitis, erysipelas
– uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis and cervicitis
Consideration should be given to official guidance on the appropriate use of antibacterial agents.
Posology
Children and adolescents over 45 kg body weight and adults
In uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis and cervicitis the dosage is 1,000 mg as a single oral dose.
For all other indications the dose is 1,500 mg, to be administered as 500 mg per day for three consecutive days.
Elderly people
Paediatric population
Patients with renal impairment:
Patients with hepatic impairment:
Hypersensitivity
What Is Chlamydia Like
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection . Most people who have confirmed cases of chlamydia are recorded to have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, it occurs in the form of a pus-like yellow discharge, frequent or painful urination. Additionally, some women experience spotting between periods or after sex. Also, rectal pain irritation, bleeding or discharge can occur. Some patients may experience lower abdominal pain, swollen or tender testicles. If left untreated, chlamydia may lead to infertility or irreversible reproductive issues.
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Typical Dosing For Azithromycin
Adults:
- Pneumonia, strep throat, tonsillitis, and skin infections: Take 500 mg by mouth on day 1, followed by 250 mg by mouth once a day on days 2 through 5.
- Sinus infections: Take 500 mg by mouth once a day for 3 days.
- COPD flare-up: There are two sets of directions you can follow. You can take 500 mg by mouth once a day for 3 days, OR you can take 500 mg by mouth on day 1, followed by 250 mg by mouth once a day on days 2 through 5.
- Chancroid, chlamydia, and infections of the urethra and cervix not caused by gonorrhea: Take 1,000 mg by mouth one time only.
- Gonorrhea: Take 2,000 mg by mouth one time only.
Children :
- Middle ear infection: There are three sets of directions you can follow: Take 30 mg/kg by mouth one time only Take 10 mg/kg by mouth once a day for 3 days OR Take 10 mg/kg by mouth on day 1 and then take 5 mg/kg by mouth once a day on days 2 through 5.
- Sinus infections: Take 10 mg/kg by mouth once a day for 3 days.
- Pneumonia: Take 10 mg/kg by mouth on day 1 and then take 5 mg/kg by mouth once a day on days 2 through 5.
- Strep throat and tonsillitis: Take 12 mg/kg by mouth once a day for 5 days.
Indication: What Zithromax Is Used For
Zithromax is used to treat infections in different parts of the body caused by bacteria.
It is commonly used to treat Chlamydia. Zithromax is also used to prevent infections by a bacterium called Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex in some people.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Zithromax has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
Zithromax is only available with a doctors prescription.
This medicine is not addictive.
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
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Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Azithromycin For Chlamydia
Yes, you may drink a small amount of alcohol while you are taking azithromycin but there is a chance large amounts of alcohol may increase the gastrointestinal side effects of azithromycin, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, or flatulence. Too much alcohol with azithromycin may also give you a headache.
Because azithromycin is usually taken as a one-off dose, drinking alcohol is unlikely to stop azithromycin from curing chlamydia.
How Should I Use This Medication
The dose of azithromycin depends on the condition being treated.
The recommended adult dose of azithromycin for treatment of lung and skin infections is 500 mg , followed by one 250 mg tablet taken at the same time each day for 4 more days. When treating flare-ups of COPD, azithromycin can also be taken as two 250 mg tablets once daily for 3 days. Genitourinary tract infections can be treated with a single dose of 1000 mg or 2000 mg , depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the type of infection.
The usual dose for prevention of mycobacterium avium complex infections in people with HIV infection is 1200 mg taken once weekly.
The children’s dose of azithromycin is based on body weight. When used to treat otitis media in children, a course of treatment of either 1 day, 3 days, or 5 days may be used. The daily dose will vary depending on the number of treatment days. Use an oral syringe to measure each dose of the liquid, as it gives a more accurate measurement than household teaspoons.
Azithromycin may also be given by injection to treat severe pneumonia or pelvic inflammatory disease. It is usually given in a hospital setting by a health professional. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose of this medication.
Azithromycin must be taken for the recommended duration of treatment, even if you are feeling better. This will reduce the chances of having remaining bacteria grow back.
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How Much Does Azithromycin Cost
Azithromycin is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
How To Get Rid Of Chlamydia In Males
Chlamydia in males is caused by a bacterial infection. This infection is mostly treated with oral antibiotics. The most effective and recommended treatment for chlamydia is the prescribing of Azithromycin or Doxycycline. After treatment, usually the infection will clear in 7 to 14 days. The recommended dosage should be finished for infection to be completely cleared. For treatment to be most effective, it is recommended that both partner complete treatment and abstain from any sexual contact for at least 7 days after completing their treatment.
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Usual Adult Dose For Gonococcal Infection
Gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis:Immediate-release: 2 g orally onceUse: Treatment of mild to moderate urethritis and cervicitis due to Neisseria gonorrhoeaeUS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations:Immediate-release:-Recommended regimen: 1 g orally once as a single dose plus ceftriaxone-Alternative regimen: 1 g orally once as a single dose plus cefixime
How And When To Take It
Azithromycin is usually taken once a day, unless you’re having it by injection. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.
The usual dose is 500mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated.
For some infections, you’ll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g.
The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.
Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case, it’s usually taken 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Is Treatment Always Necessary For Chlamydia
Yes, treatment is necessary for chlamydia, particularly in women of childbearing age, because it reduces the risk of chlamydia-associated ectopic pregnancy, fertility problems, and the transmission of chlamydia to neonates during birth. In women, of all ages, chlamydia treatment reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease.
In men, treatment for chlamydia stops them from infecting or reinfecting sexual partners with the bacteria.
Treat any person testing positive for chlamydia with a recommended course of antibiotics promptly. Delays in treatment have been associated with complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
Usual Adult Dose For Tonsillitis/pharyngitis
Immediate-release: 500 mg orally as a single dose on day 1, followed by 250 mg orally once a day on days 2 to 5Use: Treatment of pharyngitis/tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes as an alternative to first-line therapy in patients who cannot use first-line therapyIDSA Recommendations:Individuals with penicillin allergy: 12 mg/kg orally once a day-Maximum dose: 500 mg/day-Duration of therapy: 5 daysUse: Treatment of Group A streptococcal pharyngitis
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Can You Get Chlamydia More Than Once
Yes, you can get the infection even if youve successfully treated it already.
A sexual partner who has chlamydia can transmit it to you again, even if youve already had it and treated it.
You can also get chlamydia again if it wasnt fully treated the first time. This can happen if you stop taking the necessary treatment. Its important to complete the antibiotics youve been given, even if your symptoms get better.
The CDC recommends getting tested 3 months after treatment of your initial infection to ensure the infection is cleared.
Things To Be Careful Of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm. Some macrolide antibiotics may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or severe sunburn.
If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 30+ sunscreen. If your skin does appear to be burning tell your doctor immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Azithromycin
How long does it take for azithromycin to work?
For most infections, you should start to feel better within a few days. It is very important to keep taking azithromycin for as long as your provider told you to do so, even if you start to feel better.
What is azithromycin used to treat?
Azithromycin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It’s widely used to treat respiratory infections like pneumonia, ear infections, infections of the nose and throat like sinus infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
How many pills are in a Zpak?
There is a total of six 250 mg tablets of azithromycin in a Zpak. You would take two tablets on the first day, followed by one tablet daily for four days until there are no more tablets left.
Which is better amoxicillin or azithromycin ?
Although amoxicillin and azithromycin are both antibiotics, they belong to different groups of antibiotics. They target different bacteria in your body and can be used for different infections. Your healthcare provider will decide which antibiotic is best for you based on your infection and types of symptoms.
Can I take azithromycin more than 5 days?
Things You Must Not Do
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not take your medicine to treat any other complaint unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not stop taking your medicine, or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor.
If you do not complete the full course, all the organisms causing your infection may not be killed. These organisms may continue to grow and multiply so that your infection may not clear completely or may return.
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Interactions Between Azithromycin And Other Medications
Azithromycin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with azithromycin . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.
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How Long Does Azithromycin Take To Cure Chlamydia
It usually takes approximately 7 days for azithromycin to cure chlamydia. However, it can take up to 2 weeks for the infection to go away completely.
Avoid having sex during treatment or until the infection has cleared. Youll want to make sure its completely cured, or else youll risk passing it to someone else.
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Before You Start To Take It
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to any other medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
- liver or kidney problems
- heart problems, including heart rhythm abnormalities
- electrolyte disturbance, particularly low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood
- myasthenia gravis
Tell your doctor if you have pneumonia and any of the following risk factors:
- cystic fibrosis
- elderly
- significant health problems
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine until you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits involved.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell them before you start taking this medicine.