What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an effective antibiotic that doctors prescribe to treat bacterial infections.
Azithromycin tablets treat bacterial infections of your lungs, tonsils, throat, sinus, skin & soft tissues, ear, and nose.
Azithromycin tablet is available as a generic and brand-name medicine. Zithromax is the brand name for Azithromycin.
Azithromycin oral tablet belongs to a class of medicines known as Macrolide antibiotics.
You should know that Azithromycin does not work to treat viral infections, flu, and colds.
Intake of antibiotics, when not needed, can increase your risk of getting an infection that later resists antibiotic treatment.
After a valid prescription from the doctor, you can buy Azithromycin online from licensed pharmacies.
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that works by averting the synthesis of vital proteins bacteria need to perform essential functions.
This further stops the growth of bacteria and prevents the infection from spreading in your body.
How to take Azithromycin?
You should take an Azithromycin oral tablet as the doctor recommends. Swallow the tablet; do not crush, chew, or break it.
Azithromycin is available as tablets, extended-release suspensions, and mouth suspensions. The tablets and suspensions are usually taken with or without food only once a day for 1 to 5 days.
Shake the bottle well to mix the medicine evenly when taking the liquid form of Azithromycin. Use a dosing spoon or measuring cup to measure the right amount of medication.
Doctors recommend taking Azithromycin tablets with or without food once a week to prevent disseminated MAC infection.
Meanwhile, the extended-release suspension is taken on an empty stomach once, almost 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
When you use Azithromycin extended-release suspension as a dry powder, add water to the bottle and then take the medication. You must take the suspension within 12 hours of buying it or adding water to the powder.
Within an hour after taking Azithromycin, if you vomit, then call your doctor. Your doctor might tell you whether you require another dose of the medicine.
Unless the doctor prescribes, do not take another dosage of Azithromycin.
Even if the symptoms of your bacterial infections improve after a few days of the treatment, continue taking Azithromycin for the full prescribed time.
This will help to reduce the risk of future infections that might be resistant to Azithromycin or similar antibiotics.
What are the Side effects of Azithromycin?
Most side effects of Azithromycin do not require medical attention as they disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine.
However, following your doctor’s recommendation for the prescribed dosage can help to reduce the risk of severe side effects.
Some common side effects of Azithromycin include:
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects of Azithromycin include:
- Liver problems like loss of appetite, dark urine, and tiredness
- QT prolongation
- Allergic reactions like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of lips & tongue
Meet your doctor immediately if any of the side effects persist or worsen.
What are the Drug interactions for Azithromycin?
Inform the doctor about all other prescription & non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements you take to avoid drug interactions.
Some medicines which you should not take with Azithromycin include:
- Digoxin
- Colchicine
- Nelfinavir
- Warfarin
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium
- Phenytoin
What are the Precautions and warnings for Azithromycin?
Do not take Azithromycin if you are allergic to it, similar antibiotics, or have any other allergies. This medicine might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions.
Before starting your treatment with Azithromycin, inform the doctor about your medical history, especially of:
- Liver problems
- High or low blood pressure
- Heart disorders
- Lung diseases
- Low levels of potassium in the blood
- Jaundice
If you take antacids containing aluminium hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide, give some time between the dose of your antacids and the dose of Azithromycin.
How to store Azithromycin?
You can store Azithromycin at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions about Azithromycin (FAQs)
What if I don’t get better after taking Azithromycin?
You should meet the doctor if you do not see any improvement in the symptoms after 3 days of taking Azithromycin.
Can I take Azithromycin at night?
Generally, Azithromycin is prescribed only once a day. You can take this medicine at any time but at the same time every day.
