Has your doctor prescribed Azithromycin for you or your little one? It's a thick, sweet syrup that's usually given as a single dose. It's called "extended-release" because a single dose lasts for several days. So, in this article, we'll talk about how to use this important medication and what you need to be aware of.
What kind of medicine is Azithromycin?
Simply put, Azithromycin is an antibiotic . That is, it kills bacteria that have entered our bodies. Doctors prescribe this medicine for various bacterial conditions, such as throat infections, skin infections, and lung infections.
One very important thing to remember: This medicine only treats bacterial infections. It has no effect on viral infections like the common cold and flu. Therefore, do not use this medicine without the advice of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
If you or the child receiving the medication has any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before taking Azithromycin.
- If you have had blood-related diseases (such as leukemia).
- If you have a history of irregular heartbeat.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a nerve and muscle disease called Myasthenia Gravis.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to Azithromycin, Erythromycin, or other similar antibiotics, other foods, or dyes.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your baby.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take on an empty stomach: This is the most important thing. You should take the medicine one hour before or two hours after eating.
- The entire dose at once: You should drink the entire amount of syrup in the bottle that the doctor gave you at once. Do not divide it into portions and drink it little by little.
- If you vomit: If you vomit within an hour of taking the medicine, call your doctor immediately. The medicine may have been passed out before it was absorbed. Your doctor will then decide if you need to take another dose.
- When given to children: This medicine can also be given to children over 6 months of age for some conditions. However, only a doctor can make that decision.
- Overdose: If you have even the slightest suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else who has the same symptoms you have.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking medication for another condition, it is very important to tell your doctor about it, as some medications can interact with Azithromycin.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Drugs that should never be taken with Azithromycin | |
| Various medications | Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine |
| Other drugs that may interact with Azithromycin | |
| Medicines for gastritis | Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium |
| Birth control pills | Birth control pills |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | Warfarin |
| Medicines for heart disease | Digoxin, other drugs that affect the heart rate (which prolong the QT interval) |
| Other medications | Colchicine, Cyclosporine, Ergot alkaloids, Nelfinavir, Phenytoin |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Things to consider when taking medication
- Pay attention to symptoms: If your symptoms don't improve despite taking medication, or if they get worse, tell your doctor.
- Serious skin reactions: This is very important. Sometimes this medicine can cause a serious skin reaction. If you have a fever, body aches, red or purple skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin, see your doctor right away. This may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits.
- Diarrhea: If your diarrhea is severe and lasts more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medications and see your doctor.
- Be careful with the sun: Some people's skin may become sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So avoid strong sunlight as much as possible. If you go out, wear clothing that covers your body and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Azithromycin can cause side effects in some people.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergic reactions (Allergic reactions / Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, extreme fatigue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe abdominal pain with fever. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Mild diarrhea | Diarrhea |
| Nausea | Nausea |
| Stomach pain | Stomach pain |
| Vomiting | Vomiting |
Take-Home Message
- Always take Azithromycin Extended-Release Syrup on an empty stomach (one hour before or two hours after a meal).
- Drink the entire bottle at once . Do not drink in portions.
- If you vomit within an hour of taking the medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe skin rashes, blisters, or severe diarrhea that lasts more than two days, along with a fever.
- It is imperative to inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you may have.
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