Introducing Azithromycin

Azithromycin is part of a group of drugs known as macroline antiobiotics. This class essentially fights the bacteria in the body. For this reason, Azithromycin is used against different types of infection including respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and STD. The doctor may also specify other uses of Azithromycin depending on the preference of the doctor.

What to Expect when under Azithromycin

Azithromycin can cause severe allergies to some people. The alternative drugs to Azithromycin are erythromycin, and clarithromycin.

• You must notify your doctor if you have any of the following conditions
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Disorder in the heart rhythm
• History of QT syndrome

The doctor may need to adjust the dosage of Azithromycin if you have one of the conditions above or he might require you to undergo special tests. Azithromycin is an FDA pregnancy B drug. This means that Azithromycin is not known to be harmful to the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or if you are pregnant already. Do not take other medication without telling your doctor, especially if you are breast feeding an infant.

Right dosage of Azithromycin

• Follow the exact prescription of your doctor. Do not take Azithromycin in large quantities or take it longer than the recommended dosage schedule. The length of treatment with Azithromycin may not be necessary the same with other types of infection.
• You must take Azithromycin with an empty stomach an hour or two before meals.
• Have a full glass of water (8 oz) when you take in Azithromycin.
• Azithromycin tablets and oral suspension may be taken with or without food. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take Azithromycin with food.
• Azithromycin should not be taken with antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum. Some examples of these antacids are Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Rolaids, and Pepcid. Azithromycin is less effective when combined with these drugs.
• Take Azithromycin regularly to maximize its effects.
• Keep the medicine in a cool and dry place
• Throw away any liquid after ten days.

If you miss a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember, but if the time comes for the next dosage, just skip the missed dose, and go back to the regular dosage schedule. Do not take two tablets at the same time.

If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Azithromycin overdose include nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.

Azithromycin and its Side Effects

The severe side effects of Azithromycin are:

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Watery or bloody stool during diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice
• Dark urine

Here are the more common side effects:

• Mild nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Tired Feeling
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vaginal discharge
• Mild itching

Drug Interaction with Azithromycin

• antacids
• astemizole
• dihydroergotamine
• ergotamine
• terfenadine
• triazolam
• digoxin
• magnesium salts
• warfarin

Shelf life of Azithromycin

The expiration date of Azithromycin is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.