Azithromycin
Information about Azithromycin
Azithromycin uses
Azithromycin is used in the treatment of bacterial infections and typhoid fever. It is used in bacterial infections of tonsils, sinus, ear, nose, throat, skin and soft tissues and lungs (pneumonia).
How azithromycin works
Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It works by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions. Thus, it stops the bacteria from growing, and prevents the infection from spreading.
Common side effects of azithromycin
Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal pain
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Last updated on:
24 Mar 2019 | 12:11 AM (IST)
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Expert advice for Azithromycin
- Your doctor has prescribed Azithromycin to cure your infection and improve your symptoms.
- Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
- Take it 1 hour before or two hours after food.
- Do not take antacids 2 hours before or after taking Azithromycin.
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
- Stop taking Azithromycin and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash, swelling of the face, throat or tongue or breathing difficulties while taking it.
Frequently asked questions for Azithromycin
Azithromycin
Q. Can the use of Azithromycin cause diarrhea?
Yes, the use of Azithromycin can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe diarrhea, talk to your doctor about it.
Q. How long does Azithromycin takes to work?
Usually, Azithromycin starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.
Q. Is Azithromycin safe?
Azithromycin is safe if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Is Azithromycin an antibiotic?
Yes, Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It belongs to a class of antibiotics known as macrolides. It can be used to treat bacterial sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, pneumonia and many other if caused by micro-organisms sensitive to Azithromycin. It should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor.
Q. What if I don't get better after using Azithromycin?
Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.
Q. Can I stop taking Azithromycin when my symptoms are relieved?
No, do not stop taking Azithromycin and complete the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
Q. Can the use of Azithromycin cause infertility?
There is no firm evidence to suggest that the use of Azithromycin will cause infertility in males or females.