Perhaps you have been prescribed a medicine called Azithromycin when you went to see a doctor for an illness like fever, cough, or sore throat. This is a very common antibiotic, not only in our country, but all over the world. So when you get this medicine, some people have a few questions and a little fear. So today, let's talk about what exactly this medicine is, what we need to be careful about when using it, and what are the most important things to know.
What kind of medicine is Azithromycin?
Simply put, Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections . It belongs to the Macrolide class of antibiotics. This medicine works by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria that have entered our body, or by destroying them.
The most important thing is that this medicine only works on bacteria. It does not cure diseases caused by viruses like the common cold and flu. This is where many people make mistakes. Therefore, never take antibiotics like this without a doctor's recommendation.
This medicine comes under various brand names like Zithromax and Z-Pak, but in Sri Lanka, the most commonly used name is Azithromycin.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Azithromycin, your doctor will ask you some questions. But it's important for you to inform your doctor about these things for your own safety.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergy to Azithromycin, Erythromycin, or other macrolide antibiotics. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes.
- Heart disease: Tell us if you have an irregular heartbeat or other heart condition.
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have any liver or kidney disease, inform your doctor.
- Other medical conditions: If you have any neurological conditions such as myasthenia gravis or a history of blood diseases such as leukemia, please mention them as well.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you should definitely tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of the medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Take the pill with a glass of water.
- These pills can be taken before or after meals. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort and nausea after taking this medicine. If this happens, it is best to take the medicine with a small meal.
- Take the exact dose, at the time prescribed by the doctor.
- The most important thing: Even if you feel better, take the medicine for the full number of days your doctor prescribed. If you are prescribed it for three days, take it for all three days, and if you are prescribed it for five days, take it for all five days. If you stop taking it halfway, you may get sick again and develop antibiotic resistance.
What if I forget to take a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give the medicine prescribed for your illness to someone else who has the same illness. It may harm them.
Other medications that may interact with Azithromycin
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 type / category | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Medicines that should not be taken together with Azithromycin | |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Pimozide, Thioridazine | Avoid taking these together as they can seriously affect heart rhythm. |
| Other medications that may interact with Azithromycin | |
| Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium | These types of 'digestive pills' taken for stomach ulcers reduce the absorption of Azithromycin. Therefore, leave a gap of several hours between these two medications. |
| Warfarin (a blood thinner) | The risk of bleeding may increase. |
| Digoxin, Colchicine, Cyclosporine | The effectiveness of these medications may be affected. |
| Other medications that affect heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval) | Increases the risk of heart rhythm irregularities. |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies) as well as your habits (smoking, alcohol use).
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medicine, Azithromycin can cause side effects in some people. While most of these are minor, we should be aware of some serious conditions.
| 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, hands or feet, difficulty breathing or swallowing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Severe skin diseases | Red or purple spots appear on the skin, which blister and peel off (even inside the mouth). |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have severe, watery diarrhea that lasts more than two days (with or without fever). |
| Side effects that may occur commonly, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Diarrhea | This is usually not serious, but if it is severe as mentioned above, tell your doctor. |
Sun sensitivity
Some people's skin may become sensitive to the sun while taking this medication. Therefore, avoid exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you do go out, it is a good idea to wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
Take-Home Message
- Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is only given for bacterial infections . It does not work for the common cold.
- Be sure to take the full amount of medication prescribed by your doctor for the full number of days. Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, allergies you have, and medical conditions you have.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as severe skin reactions, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhea, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not give the medicine prescribed to you to anyone else .
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets .
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