What Are The Side Effects Of Azithromycin
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions
loss of taste
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
View More
Diagnosis And Treatment Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection
KARL E. MILLER, M.D., University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Am Fam Physician. 2006 Apr 15 73:1411-1416.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection most commonly affects the urogenital tract. In men, the infection usually is symptomatic, with dysuria and a discharge from the penis. Untreated chlamydial infection in men can spread to the epididymis. Most women with chlamydial infection have minimal or no symptoms, but some develop pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydial infection in newborns can cause ophthalmia neonatorum. Chlamydial pneumonia can occur at one to three months of age, manifesting as a protracted onset of staccato cough, usually without wheezing or fever. Treatment options for uncomplicated urogenital infections include a single 1-g dose of azithromycin orally, or doxycycline at a dosage of 100 mg orally twice per day for seven days. The recommended treatment during pregnancy is erythromycin base or amoxicillin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend screening for chlamydial infection in women at increased risk of infection and in all women younger than 25 years.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Azithromycin or doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated genitourinary chlamydial infection.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Azithromycin or doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of uncomplicated genitourinary chlamydial infection.
How Do I Know If I Have Chlamydia
If you suspect you have chlamydia, your doctor may want to test cervical or penile discharge or urine using one of several available methods.
In most cases of chlamydia, the cure rate is 95%. However, because many women don’t know they have the disease until it has caused serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually active women under age 25 and others at higher risk should be tested for chlamydia once a year during their annual pelvic exam even if they dont have symptoms.
Pregnant women should also be tested as part of their routine lab work.
You May Like: Can You Cure Chlamydia Naturally
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.
View More
Chlamydial Infection Among Adolescents And Adults
Chlamydial infection is the most frequently reported bacterial infectious disease in the United States, and prevalence is highest among persons aged 24 years . Multiple sequelae can result from C. trachomatis infection among women, the most serious of which include PID, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Certain women who receive a diagnosis of uncomplicated cervical infection already have subclinical upper genital tract infection.
Asymptomatic infection is common among both men and women. To detect chlamydial infection, health care providers frequently rely on screening tests. Annual screening of all sexually active women aged < 25 years is recommended, as is screening of older women at increased risk for infection . In a community-based cohort of female college students, incident chlamydial infection was also associated with BV and high-risk HPV infection . Although chlamydia incidence might be higher among certain women aged 25 years in certain communities, overall, the largest proportion of infection is among women aged < 25 years .
Read Also: What Are The Chances Of Getting Chlamydia
Concerned You May Have Chlamydia Check Your Symptoms For Free And Chat With A Doctor For Just $23
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.
Chlamydial Infection Among Neonates
Prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women is the best method for preventing chlamydial infection among neonates. C. trachomatis infection of neonates results from perinatal exposure to the mothers infected cervix. Initial C. trachomatis neonatal infection involves the mucous membranes of the eye, oropharynx, urogenital tract, and rectum, although infection might be asymptomatic in these locations. Instead, C. trachomatis infection among neonates is most frequently recognized by conjunctivitis that develops 512 days after birth. C. trachomatis also can cause a subacute, afebrile pneumonia with onset at ages 13 months. Although C. trachomatis has been the most frequent identifiable infectious cause of ophthalmia neonatorum, neonatal chlamydial infections, including ophthalmia and pneumonia, have occurred less frequently since institution of widespread prenatal screening and treatment of pregnant women. Neonates born to mothers at high risk for chlamydial infection, with untreated chlamydia, or with no or unconfirmed prenatal care, are at high risk for infection. However, presumptive treatment of the neonate is not indicated because the efficacy of such treatment is unknown. Infants should be monitored to ensure prompt and age-appropriate treatment if symptoms develop. Processes should be in place to ensure communication between physicians and others caring for the mother and the newborn to ensure thorough monitoring of the newborn after birth.
Recommended Reading: How To Cure Chlamydia Fast
Why Change Advice About Chlamydia Treatment
In the past, chlamydia was often treated with a single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin.
Azithromycin was felt to be a good first choice, because taking just the 1mg dose results in very good antibiotic levels in the blood stream for several days, without the need to take further tablets.
Azithromycin taken as a single dose, was also ideal, because it was easier for patients to take all their treatment at once. The alternative treatment option, was a 7-day course of doxcycline, but in fact, many people never finish a 7-day course of antibiotics.
In a clinic setting, the doctor/nurse would often watch you swallow the azithromycin tablets there and then, meaning this ensured the complete regime had been taken.
Zithromax Reviews By Our Patients
- Based on 4 reviews
- âââââI found the Online Clinic to be reliable and very professional service. I had been directed to the Online Clinic from their sister site, the STI Clinic after having purchased a full STI screen which returned positive results, to undertake a consultation. This required filling out a short online consultation form for their review which I was particularly impressed with the fast turnaround. This was processed within an hour and was able to provide the required medications. After I made payment the prescription was forwarded to their pharmacy a…S. L. – 15/01/20
- Needed this for an STI that I tested positive for. It did the job.J. Smythe – 12/04/20
- Stomachache. Both medications were taking together on a daily basisA. N. – 21/12/20
- It worked, no side effects. Clear instrucctions on how to use it.A. F. – 29/01/20
Read Also: What Are The Early Signs Of Chlamydia
Azithromycin Vs Doxycycline For Chlamydia
Azithromycin and doxycycline are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat chlamydia.
While azithromycin is prescribed in a single, one-gram dose taken orally, doxycycline is typically prescribed in a 100-milligram dose taken orally twice a day for seven days.
A 2014 meta analysis of 23 studies found that doxycycline had a slightly higher efficacy compared with azithromycin.
However, other research suggests that treatment with a single oral dose of azithromycin appears to be as safe and efficacious as a seven-day course of doxycycline for the treatment of uncomplicated genital chlamydial infection.
Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is best for you.
Other Factors To Consider :
- What should be the gap between two doses?
- How much dose you should take?
- Your metabolic rate If your metabolism is slow than it will increase the duration of medicine in your system.
- Your age and health In general, older age and poor health increase the amount of time the medication stays in your system.
- Bodyweight the higher the medicine, the longer the medicine stays in your system.
Don’t Miss: Can Chlamydia Cause Prostate Cancer
Pfizer’s Zithromax Approved As Chlamydia Trachomatis Single
- 11 Nov 1991
- The Pink Sheet
Executive Summary
You may also be interested in…
All set! This article has been sent to .
All fields are required. For multiple recipients, separate email addresses with a semicolon.
Please Note: Only individuals with an active subscription will be able to access the full article. All other readers will be directed to the abstract and would need to subscribe.
How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick – stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food while you’re taking this medicine.
- diarrhoea or being sick – drink lots of fluids such as water or squash to avoid dehydration. Take small, frquent sips if you’re being sick. Signs of dehydration include peeing less than usual or having strong-smelling pee. Do not take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea or vomiting without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- losing your appetite – eat when you would usually expect to be hungry. If it helps, eat smaller meals more often than usual. Snack when you’re hungry. Have nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts.
- headaches – rest and drink plenty of water. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller if you need one. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.
- feeling dizzy or tired – if you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so you don’t faint, then sit until you feel better. Do not drive or use tools or machines if you feel dizzy or tired. Do not drink alcohol as it may make you feel worse.
- changes to your sense of taste – talk with your doctor if this is bothering you.
Don’t Miss: Can Chlamydia Just Go Away
What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Zithromax
Side effects of taking Zithromax can be mild and serious.
Allergic reactions to this drug belong to serious side effects and require immediate medical help, so you should never hesitate if you notice such symptoms after taking Zithromax:
- Allergic rash and itchy skin
- Swelling in the lips, tongue, throat, face, or any other body parts
- Problems with breathing
Other serious and rare adverse reactions to Zithromax include:
- Jaundice
- Fainting
- Oral thrush
- Ringing in the ears
If you experience mild side effects, its possible that you have individual intolerance to Zithromax or you may require a lower dosage. Consult your doctor before taking another dose of this drug to get further instructions.
Who Can And Cannot Take Azithromycin
Azithromycin can be taken by adults and children.
It isn’t suitable for some people. 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
- 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
Don’t Miss: Is The Treatment For Chlamydia And Gonorrhea The Same
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?
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:
- Tablet
- Regular-release powder
For both powder formulas, either you or a pharmacist mix it with liquid to take.
Also Check: Is There An Over The Counter Test For Chlamydia
What If I Forget To Take It
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next one. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to remember your medicine.
Study Design And Setting
This is a double-blind RCT. Given our primary outcome is treatment efficacy, our trial is double blind to minimize bias that could arise as a result of the different dosing regimens of the two drugs . For example: i) it is possible that taking a 7-day course of daily doxycycline rather than a single dose of azithromycin may deter people from resuming sexual activity while taking treatment, thereby reducing their risk of a new infection, and ii) participants could be less adherent to a 7-day regimen which could impact efficacy . The trial will be conducted within sexual health clinics in Victoria and New South Wales in Australia and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. The trial was approved by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee .
Recommended Reading: Azithromycin For Chlamydia Side Effects
Pharmacist Tips For Azithromycin
You can take azithromycin with or without food. Stomach upset and diarrhea are possible side effects, so if it happens to you, taking azithromycin with food can help lessen it.
If you’re using the liquid form of azithromycin , shake the bottle well before using. Be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose. Using household teaspoons might cause you to take the wrong amount of azithromycin .
Do not take antacids containing aluminum within 2 hours of this medication. These antacids affect how well your body absorbs azithromycin .
You can store the liquid version of azithromycin at room temperature or in the fridge. Putting it in the fridge can help make it taste better. The liquid is good for up to 10 days after it has been mixed by your pharmacist.
If you have diarrhea after taking azithromycin , try taking probiotic supplements to help lessen this side effect. Separate the probiotic from azithromycin by at least 1 hour to prevent azithromycin from killing the “good” bacteria from the probiotic. Be sure to continue the supplement for a few days after your last dose of azithromycin .
Finish all of the azithromycin your healthcare provider prescribed for you, even if you start to feel better. Stopping azithromycin too soon can cause your infection to come back.
Prices for azithromycin start at just $4.80 with a GoodRx coupon. Theyâre fast, easy-to-use and free!
What Is Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat different infections caused by bacteria such as whooping cough, infections of the ear, skin and genitals such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Azithromycin is also used to prevent infections in people with cystic fibrosis. It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that cause the infection. It is not effective against infections caused by viruses. Azithromycin is available as tablets and liquid.
Read Also: When Should You Get Tested For Chlamydia After Treatment
How Zithromax Works
Zithromax belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides, which are bacteriostatic meaning they treat infections by preventing bacteria from multiplying and producing the proteins that are essential for their growth. Eventually, the remaining bacteria die or are killed by the immune system, not by the drug itself. This is in contrast to bactericidal antibiotics, which kill bacteria. Bactericidal drugs include fluoroquinolones and penicillin.
Zithromax does not break down in the body as quickly as other antibiotics. Instead of floating freely in the blood, the drug molecules are picked up by white blood cells that fight bacteria. The white blood cells take the medicine to the front lines of their struggle with germs, where it becomes concentrated in the tissues surrounding the infection. That concentration helps it remain in the body longer, which means patients need fewer doses to beat their infections.