Azithromycin, like the dihydrate, is a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C38H72N2O12 • 2H2O and a molecular weight of 785.0. Below you will find a large amount of information about said antibiotic so that you can know everything about it, know its side effects, its benefits, among other things. Once you have finished reading everything, we ask you to please share it on your favorite social networks.
Index
Benefits of using Azithromycin
Azithromycin is used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. It should not be used to treat infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold. Azithromycin can be used in combination with other antibiotics when used to treat Mycobacterium avium complex infection. Azithromycin works by preventing bacteria from multiplying. This kills the bacteria and treats your infection.
Side effects of Azithromycin
May cause stomach upset, diarrhea / loose stools, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you because he has judged that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people using this medicine do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these unlikely but serious side effects: hearing changes (such as decreased hearing, deafness), eye problems (such as drooping eyelids, blurred vision), difficulty speaking / swallowing, muscle weakness, signs of liver problems (such as unusual tiredness, persistent nausea / vomiting, severe stomach / abdominal pain, yellow eyes / skin, dark urine). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of these infrequent but severe / severe heartbeats, severe dizziness, fainting.
In rare cases, this drug can cause a serious intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to resistant bacteria. This condition can occur during treatment or weeks or months after treatment has stopped. Do not use antidiarrheal products or narcotic pain relievers if you have any of the following symptoms because these products can make them worse. Tell your doctor right away if you develop: persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain / cramps, blood / mucus in your stool.
Using this medicine for long or repeated periods can lead to oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge, or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever that does not go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, rash, itching / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat ), severe dizziness, shortness of breath. An allergic reaction to this medicine may come back even if you stop taking the medicine. If you have an allergic reaction, continue to observe any of the above symptoms for several days after your last dose.
Precautions to consider
Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Consult your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).
Azithromycin can cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT interval prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause severe (rarely fatal) rapid / irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
The risk of QT interval prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications that can cause QT interval prolongation. Before using azithromycin, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the medicines you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation on ECG), family history of certain cardiac problems (QT) prolongation on EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood can also increase your risk of QT interval prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain medications (such as diuretics / “water pills”) or if you have conditions such as heavy sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using azithromycin safely.
Azithromycin can cause live bacterial vaccines (such as typhoid vaccine) to not work as well. Do not get vaccinated / vaccinated while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Interactions of Azithromycin with other drugs
Interactions with other medications can change how your medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription and nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor’s approval.
Although most antibiotics are unlikely to affect hormonal birth control, such as pills, the patch, or the ring, some antibiotics (such as rifampin, rifabutin) can decrease their effectiveness. This could result in pregnancy. If you use hormonal contraceptives, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Many drugs other than azithromycin can affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, among others.
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.