Azithromycin Side Effects

Azithromycin is an antibiotic widely used to treat infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sexually transmitted diseases. Azithromycin is also used to treat various infections of the ears, lungs, skin, and throat. The most common side effects deal with gastrointestinal symptoms, but can easily be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter medication.

In my late teenage years, I repeatedly suffered from bronchitis. The medication of choice, no matter which doctor I visited, was azithromycin. Although this medication was highly effective, I ended up with diarrhea, which would end up being the actual reason for me staying home from work or school.

Not many people are familiar with the fact that azithromycin can cause any kind of gastrointestinal disruption. Other common side effects from azithromycin can include upset stomach, vomiting, and stomach pain. Although you can take this azithromycin with or without food, I found that when I did not take this medication with food, I did end up with an upset stomach. I recommend that users should take this medication with a snack or meal.

What can you do to prevent diarrhea? It is important to know that antibiotics not only kill the "bad" bacteria in your body, but may kill the "good" bacteria in your intestines. Usually, with users of azithromycin, this is the cause of diarrhea. To prevent this from happening, you can eat yogurt or take an over-the-counter acidophilus pill. Acidophilus is the "good" bacteria that keeps your stools formed.

In addition to these common side effects, azithromycin may cause serious side effects in which, if you do experience, you should immediately consult a doctor. These side effects include severe skin rashes, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and hoarseness. Other serious side effects also include swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, and lower legs; and rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.

Before you start using azithromycin, let the prescribing physician know if you are currently or plan on taking any prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, nutritional supplements, or herbal supplements. Also, tell the prescribing doctor if you have cystic fibrosis, HIV, kidney disease, liver disease, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more information on azithromycin, or any other specific medication, visit www.medlineplus.gov. Source: www.medlineplus.gov