What You Need To Know About Azithromycin For Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in America.
In fact, in 2018, four million infections occurred in the U.S. However, many cases may go unreported because people with chlamydia are often asymptomatic and therefore dont know they have an infection.
Because chlamydia can go undetected, regular testing is extremely important in both fighting the spread of the infection and in treating it.
If you happen to test positive, the good news is, the vast majority of chlamydia cases can be cured easily with antibiotics such as azithromycin.
In this article, Ill explain if azithromycin treats chlamydia, who can take this antibiotic, the best dosage to treat chlamydia, and how to take it.
Then Ill break down how azithromycin compares with another antibiotic, doxycycline, for treating chlamydia.
Finally, Ill share everything you need to know about being tested for chlamydia.
What Dosage Treats Chlamydia
For people with uncomplicated genital chlamydia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a single dose of azithromycin taken orally to cure the infection.
Azithromycin comes in three forms:
- Regular-release powder
For both powder formulas, either you or a pharmacist mix it with liquid to take.
Always follow the directions from your doctor or pharmacist for taking azithromycin.
Azithromycin is taken as a single dose, one time.
It should be taken as soon as you receive the prescription. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food, however, the extended-release form is typically taken on an empty stomach.
If you take the liquid form, shake it well before using and use a dosing spoon to measure an accurate dose. If you are prescribed the powder, mix it with water according to directions.
Who Should Not Take Z
Prior to taking Z-Pack, make sure to give your doctor your complete medical history for accurate medical advice, especially if you have experienced heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or myasthenia gravis. Azithromycin can affect the heart rhythm, sometimes resulting in a serious, but rarely fatal, fast or irregular heartbeat called ventricular arrythmia and other symptoms that need immediate medical attention. Individuals with a personal or family history of heart problems may be especially at risk. Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the body can also enhance your risk for heart issues. Pregnant women should not take Z-Packs unless there is a clearly established need for the medication. Azithromycin is known to pass through breast milk, so nursing mothers should speak with their doctors prior to use. Certain live vaccines, such as typhoid, may not be as effective if administered while you are taking azithromycin. You should not receive any immunizations or vaccinations while being treated with a Z-Pack.
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Side Effects Of Zithromax
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Zithromax. Like other medicines, Zithromax can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
While taking it
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- Oral thrush white, furry, sore tongue and mouth
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Altered taste and smell.
These side effects are usually mild.
See your doctor immediately and before you take your next dose of Zithromax if you notice any of the following:
- Severe persistent diarrhoea
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms of sunburn such as redness, itching, swelling or blistering which may occur more quickly than normal
- Hives, itching or skin rash
- Widespread body rash, fever and swollen lymph nodes
- Aggressive reaction, nervousness, agitation or anxiety
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, reddish or purplish blotches under the skin
- Signs of frequent or worrying infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- Dark urine or blood in the urine or bowel motions
- Severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting.
These are very serious side effects.
After finishing it
The Costs Of Infertility
Treating chlamydia is easy, but for those who do not get treated or get treated too late, living with the damage caused by the infection can be hard.
Rabin has treated many women who never knew they had had chlamydia until they couldnt get pregnant due to blocked fallopian tubes. These women often wind up trying in vitro fertilization , which does not always succeed.
There are all kinds of costs involved for these women, says Rabin. There are emotional costs and physical costs. There are also financial costs with IVF. Its much better to not let the tubes get damaged, she says, and get pregnant the old-fashioned way.
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Things To Consider While You Are Taking Azithromycin
- Azithromycin may interact with some medicines, including warfarin, and herbal supplements, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking azithromycin.
- Azithromycin does not have direct interactions with alcohol. This means that most people could have the occasional drink while taking it without any serious problems. However, if azithromycin makes you feel sick or dizzy, do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse.
Will A Z Pack Treat Chlamydia
Will a z pack treat chlamydia?
Doctors Assistant: The Urologist can help. Just a couple quick questions before I transfer you. How long have you been concerned about chlamydia? Are you sexually active?
Just recently and yes Im sexually active
Doctors Assistant: Are you experiencing any of the following: burning, pain, itchiness, or discharge?
Doctors Assistant: What are all the medications youre currently using, either for chlamydia or anything else? How old are you?
None. 32
Welcome to the Justanswer website,
I am Dr.Andrew, a Board-Certified Physician with over 15 years of experience.
Im sorry you are having this issue. I will do my best to help you.
Im reviewing your question and will get back to you shortly. Answers here are for education and information only.
Thank you
Respected customer
I am sorry to hear about your symptoms, but please do not worry. I will try my best to resolve this issue.
Please give me a little more information, and I will help you figure out a solution.
May I know your age and gender?
Thank you.
I am waiting for your reply.
Have you undergone any tests or examinations?
May I know what are your symptoms?
Do you have unprotected sex with her?
On what date did you have the last sex with her?
May I know where do you have this bacterial infection?
Respected customer
In the meantime, you can give more info regarding this issue.
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What Is A Z
The Z-Pack is a prescription package that contains six tablets that are typically taken over 5 days. Your specific dosage will depend on your diagnosis. Azithromycin is a popular antibiotic medication that treats a variety of health conditions. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of bacteria. It does not work against viruses.
Also referred to as Z-Paks, Z-Packs are easy to use, generally affordable, and highly effective. Azithromycin is quickly absorbed when you take it by mouth, easily entering your body tissues so it can fight the bacteria causing your infection and stay active for a long time. Z-Packs are also safe to take alongside numerous other medications.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store azithromycin tablets, suspension, and extended-release suspension at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Do not refrigerate or freeze the extended-release suspension. Discard any azithromycin suspension that is left over after 10 days or no longer needed. Discard any unused extended-release azithromycin suspension after dosing is complete or 12 hours after preparation.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
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What Should I Avoid While Taking Zithromax Z
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.
Zithromax Z-Pak could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when you are outdoors.
Put Sex On Hold During And After Chlamydia Treatment
If you were given a single dose of antibiotics to treat your chlamydia, you should not have any kind of sex for a full seven days after the day you took the medicine. If youre taking antibiotics for a week, wait another seven days after the last day of your treatment. Be sure to take all of the medicine that is prescribed for you.
Not having sex for seven days after treatment is complete is important so you dont spread the infection to your partner or partners.
Medication stops the infection and can keep you from spreading the disease, but it wont cure any permanent damage that the infection caused before you started treatment. In women, such damage can include blocking the fallopian tubes, causing infertility.
If you still have symptoms for more than a few days after you stop taking your medicine, go back to see your doctor or other healthcare provider so they can check you again.
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When Was Azithromycin First Approved As An Antibiotic
Azithromycin is an antibiotic in the macrolides class. The Food and Drug Administration first approved azithromycin in 1991. Like all antibiotics, azithromycin can only fight certain bacteria. For this reason, it is important to talk to a doctor before taking the drug. It is not effective against viral infections or as a pain reliever.
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How To Take Azithromycin
Use Azithromycin exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Azithromycin oral is taken by mouth. Azithromycin injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually for 2 days before you switch to azithromycin oral. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
You may take azithromycin oral with or without food.
Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .
Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
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Taking Azithromycin For Chlamydia How Long To Clear Infection
Use the azithromycin extended-release suspension within 12 hours of receiving it from the pharmacy chlamydia after adding water to the powder. If you vomit within an hour after taking azithromycin, call your doctor right away. Your doctor for tell you if you need to take another dose.
Do not take another dose unless your doctor tells you to azithromycin so. You should begin to feel better for the few days of treatment with azithromycin. If your symptoms do azithromycin improve, or get worse, call your doctor. Take azithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better.
If you stop taking azithromycin too soon chlamydia skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics. Azithromycin is also used sometimes to treat H. It is also used to prevent heart infection in people having dental 1000 other procedures, and to prevent STD in victims of sexual azithromycin in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the possible for of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Take the 1000 dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it pack almost time for the next dose, skip the chlamydia dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
How Long Does It Take
It takes about one week for azithromycin to completely cure a chlamydial infection, and in some cases it can take up to two weeks for the infection to clear.
If you are sexually active during this time, you can pass the infection to your partner, even if you have no symptoms. For these reasons, you should avoid having sex of any kind during treatment.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is known as one of the silent diseases which can produce no symptoms for a long period of time. Approximately 7095 percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia do not observe chlamydia symptoms at all. The symptoms can also be mild and almost unnoticeable.
Another reason why symptoms are not the best way to determine the infection is that it is often confused with gonorrhea as the symptoms are very much alike. Asymptomatic nature of chlamydia makes it difficult to estimate how long a person remains infectious and this period is commonly believed to last until full recovery.
Chlamydia symptoms show up between 1 and 3 weeks after the contraction.
Rules For Successful Treatment
The patient should make sure that the doctor is informed if the patient is pregnant or has any allergies. These conditions influence the choice of the medicine prescribed. No matter which antibiotic the patient takes treating chlamydia the following points should be remembered:
- The treatment of all partners on the infected person is obligatory
- Abstain from sex contacts during the treatment and until the negative result on chlamydia test is received
- It is unadvisable to interrupt the course of antibiotics treatment as it will result in the necessity to start again from the beginning. Although the symptoms may disappear, the infection may still remain in the body
- It is necessary to get tested after 34 months after the end of the treatment to make sure the infection is no longer in the body.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your bodyâs response to azithromycin.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the azithromycin, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
What Are Common Side Effects Of Chlamydia Medication
Since antibiotics are the exclusive treatment for chlamydia, side effects tend to be pretty similar for those that experience them. However, this is not a full list and you should discuss any possible side effects with your healthcare professional.
Some of the most common side effects of chlamydia medication include:
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How To Use Over The Counter Antibiotics To Safely Treat Chlamydia
It is not a sin or wrong to go for Chlamydia over the counter antibioticsbut our major concern is your safety and using it more effectively. Do not ignore your doctors instructions when using your prescribe drug. Always go for the label if you must buy from the counter. Make sure you check
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Granuloma Inguinale And Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Granuloma inguinale and lymphogranuloma venereum are rare in the United States. Granuloma inguinale presents as a painless, highly vascular ulcer that is caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis. Patients with lymphogranuloma venereum present most often with regional lymphadenopathy it is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The disease is caused by L serogroup strains of Chlamydia trachomatis. The diagnosis is usually made clinically and serologically. Treatment regimens for these diseases are given in Table 1.
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Drug Treatment Of Common Stds: Part I Herpes Syphilis Urethritis Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
1000 Brand names. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturerâs information for the patient. Other chlamydia for chlamydia medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic for azithromycin, clarithromycin Biaxin, in Prevpacdirithromycin not available in the U. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. Be sure for mention any of the following: anticoagulants âblood thinnersâ such as warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven colchicine Pack, Gloperba azithromycin Neoral, Sandimmune digoxin Lanoxin dihydroergotamine D.
Treatment for chlamydia infection doxycycline vs azithromycin
1000 doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for chlamydia effects. Ask azithromycin doctor or pharmacist how many hours before or after you take azithromycin you may take these medications.
The extended-release suspension may be taken at any azithromycin with antacids. For doctor will probably tell you not to take azithromycin. If you become pregnant for taking azithromycin, call your doctor.
Unless your 1000 tells you chlamydia, continue your normal diet.