You may be hospitalized with a serious bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In such a case, the doctor may prescribe a medicine called Azithromycin, which is given intravenously with saline. This is the medicine we are talking about today. Simply put, it is a very strong antibiotic that kills bacteria. But remember, it will not cure viral illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor decides to give you this medicine, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely tell your doctor without hiding it.
- Liver disease: If you have any pre-existing liver problems, please mention it.
- Kidney disease: If there is any problem with the functioning of the kidneys.
- Heart disease or irregular heartbeat: If you have had problems with the speed or rhythm of your heartbeat.
- Myasthenia Gravis: This is a condition that causes muscle weakness. If you have this disease, it is important to report it.
- Blood diseases: If you have a history of a blood-related condition such as leukemia.
- Allergies: This is very important. Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Azithromycin or other antibiotics in the same class (macrolide antibiotics), such as Erythromycin. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also inform the doctor if you are breastfeeding your baby.
How do you use this medicine?
Azithromycin injection is a medicine given into the body through a vein (intravenous infusion). This is usually given to you by medical staff in a hospital or clinic. In some special cases, it can also be given through a home care service.
Very important: It is essential to take this treatment for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking it even if you feel better. Doing so may cause the infection to come back.
What to do if the dose increases?
Since this is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, inform the staff immediately. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, not just prescription medications, but also over-the-counter medications, traditional medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications can interact with Azithromycin and cause adverse effects.
| Type of medicine | Description and risk |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should never be taken with Azithromycin | |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | These can cause serious heart rhythm problems when taken with Azithromycin. |
| Other medications that may interact with Azithromycin (it is mandatory to inform the doctor) | |
| Warfarin | A blood thinner. The action of this may vary. |
| Digoxin, Cyclosporine, Phenytoin | The levels of these medications may increase in the blood. |
| Birth control pills | The effectiveness of birth control pills may decrease. |
| Other drugs that prolong the QT interval | These are medications that affect the rhythm of the heart. The risk increases when taken with Azithromycin. |
Be aware of these things when taking medication.
- Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor.
- Serious skin reactions: This is something to be very careful about. Sometimes these can happen even weeks after starting the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a red or purple rash on your skin with symptoms like a fever or cold, which then blisters and peels off. Also, if you have a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, that is also a serious symptom.
- Severe diarrhea: Some people may experience a normal bowel movement while taking medication. However, if your diarrhea is severe and lasts for more than two days, do not take over-the-counter medication. Be sure to tell your doctor.
- Sun sensitivity: Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun than usual while taking this medicine. So avoid exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Azithromycin can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions / Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of 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 skin or eyes, unusual fatigue. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swollen lymph nodes. |
| Severe diarrhea | Severe diarrhea, fever. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Diarrhea | Normal bowel movements. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Stomach pain | Feeling a slight stomach ache. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting. |
Take-Home Message
- Azithromycin is a powerful antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It does not treat viral infections.
- Before you start taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially liver, kidney, and heart disease, and any allergies you have.
- Take the full course of treatment prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you feel better.
- If you experience symptoms such as severe skin blisters, severe diarrhea, or abnormal heartbeat, do not delay and inform a doctor immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, you should only ask the doctor who is treating you.
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