What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is normally used to fight a wide range of bacterial infections, including ear, skin, and respiratory infections as well as different types of sexually transmitted diseases. Continue reading this article to learn more about this effective and widely used antibiotic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. ........................
How does it work?
Azithromycin dihydrate is an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria sensitive to azithromycin from producing proteins, which are the basis of their growth and reproduction. Its peak of action is 2 to 3 hours after oral administration of medication.
What are the benefits of taking it?
Azithromycin is a macrolide type antibiotic, which also includes clarithromycin and roxithromycin, which in addition to being used for the treatment of the aforementioned diseases are also effective against atypical mycobacterial diseases. The primary benefit presented with Azithromycin is that it is used as a chlamydia treatment medication. It should be noted that these sexual health treatment antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the flu or a common cold. Incorrect use of this drug can, in fact, lead to less effectiveness.
How do I use it?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer than recommended. The dose and duration of azithromycin treatment may change depending on the type of infection.
You can take most forms of azithromycin with or without food.
For the use of the oral suspension in package only: Open the package and mix the medicine with 2 ounces of water. Mix it up and drink it right away. Do not save it for later use. To make sure you are getting the full dose, add more water to the glass, turn it over and drink right away.
Its dosage
Azithromycin dosage should be administered as the only daily dose. The treatment time is established according to the degree of infection. Azithromycin tablets can be taken with or without food.
Adults: For the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Haemophilus ducreyi, or susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the dose of Azithromycin is 1,000 mg as a single dose.
Elderly: The same dose is used as in adults.
Patients with renal impairment: In patients with mild to moderate (IFG 10-80 ml / min) or severe renal impairment, no dose adjustment is necessary.
Patients with hepatic impairment: The same dosage may be administered as for patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment as for patients with normal hepatic function.
Side effects & precautions
For the Azithromycin precaution and side effects, you should seek emergency medical attention if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain , red or purple rash that spreads and causes blisters and peeling.)
Seek medical attention if you have a serious adverse reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. This reaction can occur after several weeks that you start using azithromycin.
Call your doctor immediately if you have these Azithromycin side effects:
- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
- liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, feeling tired, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Call your doctor right away if a baby who is taking azithromycin becomes irritable or vomits while eating or breastfeeding.
Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects of the heart rhythm, including a fast heart rate that can be fatal.
Common side effects may include: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or headache.
Azithromycin precautions: absorption of this antibacterial medication can be adversely affected by antacids containing magnesium or aluminum if taken at the same time. This includes products like Milk of Magnesia, Rulox, Mintox, Gaviscon and others. If you take that drug, wait at least two hours before taking Azithromycin.
Always tell your doctor about any drugs you are currently taking, including those you have recently stopped using, before starting treatment with Azithromycin. Several drugs can react with Azithromycin and you should be especially careful with Nelfinavir, as well as commonly used anticoagulants like Jantoven, Coumadin and Warfarin.
Cari McGee –
For Bronchitis “I wanted to give a complete day-to-day experience taking Z-Pak. Summary: I started to get sore throat, earache, fatigue, body chills, vomiting, and a slight fever. I would cough up white/slightly yellow mucus. Day 1: Fatigue was reduced by 80%, less coughing, didn’t cough up as much mucus but dry hacking cough was still there. Day 2: Coughing was still there, ear infection reduced, little to no mucus. Couldn’t lay down or would still get coughing fits, would have to sporadically sit up so I wouldn’t cough throughout the night, had liquid stools. Day 3: Felt 70% better, coughing turned into an annoying honking cough with no mucus, slight blurry vision, some sweating, dryness, continued watery stools. Day 4: Feeling 75-80% better.”
Raymond H. Mitchell –
For Pneumonia “I had been fighting a horrible respiratory infection and couldn’t go to work or college. After about two weeks, I had to go to the doctor, where they told me I had pneumonia. Having had it before, I expected some antibiotics that you take for over a week and was very skeptical when I got these, considering there wasn’t even a week. On day one of taking it, I had some diarrhea and a headache, but when I woke up the next morning, I didn’t have those symptoms again. Also, that morning my symptoms from pneumonia had improved dramatically. By day four, the infection was almost all the way gone, besides an occasional cough. I am very glad I tried this drug, it helped me a lot!”
John Dubois –
Z-Pak (azithromycin) for Bacterial Infection “These bad reviews terrified me. I took this for strep throat, and within the second day, I was feeling better. I have one more day left and will be done with it. I’ve had no bad issues. The first day with the two pills made my stomach hurt a little and I got mild diarrhea, but after that, I had no more issues. Make sure to eat a full meal when taking it. And stop overthinking! Anxiety causes stomach pain and bathroom issues as well. If you’re freaking out due to the reviews, I would not be shocked if you end up in the bathroom. Please don’t let the reviews deter you. Everyone’s body is different.”
Emilio Hickman –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Sinusitis “I have had chronic sinusitis for the better part of 10 years now off and on. It really gets bad as spring changes over to summer as well as summer over to fall. I have taken several different antibiotics over the years and the sinusitis keeps coming back stronger the next year. So I just started the 7-day Z-Pak yesterday for the first time and just took the second day’s dosage. Much like most of the other reviews on this site, I am experiencing some minor diarrhea as well as flatulence. Which, in my opinion, can be a deadly combination for a new pair of white boxer briefs! I have not noticed any other side effects as of yet, but again I am only on the second day. I will tell you that I am feeling much livelier right now and gained motivation.”
Jerry Worth –
For Pneumonia “I was prescribed azithromycin for a Covid-19 scare. I had pneumonia but a negative Covid-19 test. I was on a 5-day course. I’m someone who never takes medication because I’m scared of all the side effects, and I’m an absolute baby when I feel bad… at all. I took it before bed. I didn’t have many symptoms. I would have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. The only thing that really bothered me was that it made me extremely cold. The 2 side effects I did experience were gone about 6 hours in. My symptoms from my pneumonia were gone by the second day on the medication. This was the first antibiotic where I was able to finish the full course (although I figured this would be better than having Covid and getting worse). I will also add that I have a heart arrhythmia called SVT. I also have inappropriate sinus tachycardia & POTS. The medication didn’t affect my heart at all. I was very scared of that.”
Fred Nance –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “Used a number of times over the years and always found it to work better than anything. 250mg capsules (6), 2 to begin then 1 per day, 1 hour before, or 2 hours after eating. Lots of coughing up phlegm but clears the chest so can breathe properly. Keep lots of tissues handy. It ought to be available over the counter, as in some foreign countries.”
Lydia Lindley –
For Sinusitis “Absolutely horrible side effects. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and volatile heartbeat from the 2nd day of therapy onward (it was a five-day course). Ended up in the ER, but EKG seemed normal. I am now in the third day after taking the last pill. Cleared up my sinusitis, but side effects are still lingering. Feeling hot on the inside, but no fever. Feelings of hopelessness, severe depression. Heart rate up to 130 only to drop to 50. Chest pain. Fear of a heart attack. No appetite whatsoever. Surviving on soup. One moment I feel like my old self, the next I feel like I’m losing my mind.”
Angela Gray –
For Chlamydia Infection “If you’re reading this then you’re probably terrified just like I was when I got this medicine. I’ve had it for a week before I finally decided to take it. I had worked myself up over this medicine so bad that I was barely eating anything. So yesterday, I finally decided to take it. I had a small meal at dinner time, then waited a couple of hours, ate 4 pieces of bread, and then took the two 500mg pills, and absolutely nothing happened. I’m so upset at myself for waiting this long. So if you have severe anxiety and a phobia of getting sick, DON’T BE SCARED. IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN. You got this!”
Thomas Jones –
Azithromycin Dose Pack (azithromycin) for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection “I am on day 2 of the 5-day dose pack. Relief from upper respiratory symptoms has been rapid and effective. 48 hours ago, I was having severe coughing fits, sneezing, painful sinus pressure, lethargy, blocked nasal passages, unable to lie down without inducing severe bouts of coughing. 36 hours ago, I took the loading dose, and 12 hours ago, the day 2 dose. My cough is all but gone, I am able to breathe normally, my voice is back nearly to normal, the sinus pressure is gone, and I have stopped taking the decongestant I was using. This afternoon, I went out shopping. I have noticed no side effects, other than mild nausea after the day 1 dose, which may or may not have been from the medicine. This is my second highly positive experience with this medicine.”
Margaret Obrien –
For Chlamydia Infection “I was SO scared reading these reviews, but surprisingly I had little to no side effects. I made sure to eat a carb-filled meal about 30 min before taking the 1000mg dose. No stomach ache really, no fever either. Did have mild diarrhea about 5 hours later. Don’t stress too hard about it! Stress makes everything worse! Just take it and lie down, you’ll be okay! If I can do it so can you!”
Vincent Tate –
For Bronchitis “This medicine always clears up bronchitis. I fiddle around with the inhalers and steroids the doctors try to foist on you first until I lose patience after a week of suffering and ask for this drug. This medicine literally starts healing within the first day. It is a miracle drug that removes pure misery and gives you hope again, and suddenly you don’t feel like you’ve been run over by a semi after a week of no sleep. I don’t understand the initial resistance to prescribe it when a patient clearly has a condition it can cure. I could have been up and enjoying life again in a couple of days instead of wallowing in misery for almost two weeks.”
Elaine Vance –
For Chlamydia Infection “Took this in the powder form, only a one-time dosage, to fight Chlamydia. I am really glad I had taken the powder form, because it was super easy to take and to digest. My stomach did make some funky noises within the first couple of hours, as well as feeling sick, but I never had to vomit, and I never got any headaches. I did feel weird and smellier than usual during the first 2-3 days, but by day 5, I felt like myself again! I also had BV alongside the STI, and I noticed this cleared up my BV as well. The odors I had were completely gone, no more runny discharge, I felt energized again, no more abnormalities by day 6. This was a great antibiotic, and I am so glad it exists because it was quick and effective. I have definitely learned my lesson, practice safe sex & good hygiene! :)”
Barbara Herrera –
Z-Pak (azithromycin) for Pneumonia “Went to the hospital because of fever over a week and pain above my navel. They x-rayed my chest and told me I have double pneumonia and most likely COVID-19. I have finished the entire Z-pack (azithromycin) now and feel worse every day. Doctors ignore my complaints. Diarrhea, fever, dizziness, chills, and the worst pain in my chest I have ever had even when not breathing deeply. However, they still won’t test me for the virus. I don’t have any more meds and my doctor said not to come in for a follow-up because I could get others sick. I am in mandatory quarantine with my family. I hope I don’t die.”
David Bealer –
Azithromycin Dose Pack (azithromycin) for Pneumonia “I developed pneumonia after being treated in the hospital for an anaphylactic allergic response. Within a few days, my oxygen was down to 92%. I was almost hospitalized, but begged the doc to let me stay out as it was 5 days until Christmas. I was prescribed a 5-day Z-Pak (Azithromycin). Today is day 3, I’m finally starting to feel better. The only side effects so far have been slightly loose stools and a rapid pulse. (I’m 35 and otherwise healthy.) I find I got stomach pains within an hour of taking it, so today I ate before I took it and that helped.”
Jose Deluca –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “This stuff starts working on Day One. Within a couple of hours of taking it, I already feel like the congestion has halted and just needs to clear up. Make sure to take the whole pack, but all three times I’ve ever had bronchitis sneak in during a cold, Zithromax knocks it right out. No side effects for me.”
Rodrick Watkins –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Sinusitis “I am prone to sinus infections and usually get them with seasonal changes. Sometimes they come with ear stuffiness and usually with a fever, sore throat, and migraines. The exhaustion is the worst! With two small children, this time around, I had to get back on my feet quickly as there are no sick days. Well, Z-Pak works within hours, even on the pain of the sinus pressure! This has gotten me back to normal more times in my 34 years than I can count. I am extremely thankful for it because I have very few alternatives, being severely allergic to penicillin.”
Donovan Brien –
For Chlamydia Infection “If you’re reading this right now, it’s probably because you’re worried about whether this antibiotic will work for you or not. I was diagnosed with chlamydia about a month ago and was in tears day in and day out because I was so worried that the chlamydia might have spread, considering I had no idea my cheating ex had given it to me a year prior. (Pathetic, I know) Well, anyways, I was prescribed 4 pills, I took 2 pills at the same time for 2 days consecutively (1g or 1000mg in total to be exact). I had no side effects. The burning sensation while I urinated went away in two days. This antibiotic honestly was heaven-sent. P.S., I went to the doctor today for my Test of Cure and I am completely infection-free! USE THIS!”
Eileen Wilson –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “I suffer from asthma and would frequently come down with bronchitis. This Zithromax is a lifesaver. I love how it helps me get over it quickly, and I am on my feet again within the week. Best prescription ever.”
Diane Davis –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “Zithromax works. I see a lot of websites stating that bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. The fact is, that although the triggering mechanism that brought on the bronchitis may be a virus, a secondary infection of bacteria is common. My entire family had bronchitis for several weeks. Zithromax will get rid of it in most cases. Don’t believe the nonsense that you don’t need antibiotics – after a couple of weeks of this, go get some Zithromax. It works!”
Christine Post –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Sinusitis “Took away my ear infection but gave me nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, heart palpitations, anxiety, shortness of breath, diarrhea, dizziness, etc. So not worth it. I was less sick before starting this medicine.”
Louis Bay –
For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis “I just want to say to people out there that are scared to take antibiotics (like myself), do not look up these silly reviews. It will only scare you more from taking them. I had to deal with strep for a month before I could actually take my antibiotic because people on here made it seem like it was the worst drug they’ve ever had. So far, I’ve had no side effects, and it’s working great. My suggestion is don’t try to research what other people have said about it. Try it for yourself.”
Carlos Gilder –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “Got a regular head cold about a week ago. The cold is better, but the cough got much worse – so violent I can’t talk. Went to Urgent Care – they gave me Lortab for coughing, a Z-pack & an inhaler. It’s been 2 hours and I am already feeling an improvement. This is the second time in 2 years that this happens to me. I only wish that I could prescribe it to myself at the onset next time instead of trying every other medicine!”
Lori Swan –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Sinusitis “After suffering from a cold for 8 days, I woke up with extreme pressure in my sinuses and couldn’t hear due to my ears being clogged. I was prescribed the 3-day Zithromax and after one day felt so much better. The pressure went away and I had a slightly runny nose. On the second day, I could breathe without using decongestants. I haven’t had any side effects, but maybe a slight pang in my stomach when taking (I usually eat something right after taking). I’m usually resistant to going to the doctor, but very glad I did this time.”
Woodrow Cochran –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Bronchitis “The only medicine that works on my bronchitis. I’ve tried others and suffered more. For me, it starts working in 2 days. No side effects for me, just relief. I love it. But I really need to quit smoking. I wouldn’t get it so often, get it at least 2 times a year.”
Jose Welch –
For Sinusitis “I had a tickle in my throat and very tired on day one. Then on day 3, a dry hacking cough, and then a runny nose and congestion. On day 5, I woke up to a bad sinus headache and pressure, but it was not getting better and the cough was worse. By day 7, I felt like death warmed over and couldn’t take it anymore. I went to the doctor and got a 5-day Zpak and inhaler. I took the dose on day 1 and the next morning felt much better, a lot of the sinus pressure and headache were gone. By day 4, I felt much, much better and only had a small cough now.”
Janie Fritz –
Zithromax (azithromycin) for Sinusitis “It’s a life saver for me. Chronic sinus problem that occurs twice a year. Slight stomach issues after initial dose. Knocks out brain fog. Had the best night sleep in months. Always take with food, and you will have no issues. Made me feel 90% better 24 hours after initial dosage. Use with Flonase to open passages to help get it all. Only thing that works for my sinus problems.”
Wendy Strickland –
For Bronchitis “Had bronchitis for maybe 2 weeks. At first I thought it was a cold or maybe an allergy. My temp started to move up to 99.6, and then 100+ and finally like 101.7. But the cough was the worst. The weirdest cough I ever had, deep, loud coughs and I’d cough for like 30 sec+ or cough and sneeze at the same time. Could not lie down at all or I’d begin coughing (but I’d cough anyway). The doc prescribed Z-pak. About 4 hours after I took it, I could tell the symptoms improving. My temp improved, the cough subsided, too. This is my second day. For me there are no side effects.”
Joe Mickle –
For Chlamydia Infection “I have had Chlamydia six times. I believe it was the same infection that just couldn’t get treated fully and kept coming back. So, I tried azithromycin 500 mg, and that seemed to work the first time, but eventually, it came back, and I tried doxycycline, which also seemed to work, but it inevitably came back again. I did this alternation of antibiotics each time. It always came back. I finally was advised by a doctor in South Korea to take both azithromycin 500 mg and a week course of doxycycline at the same time. This cured me, and it has been 5.5 months without any complications.”