{"id":53452,"date":"2022-10-11T21:31:38","date_gmt":"2022-10-12T01:31:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=53452"},"modified":"2025-04-22T16:44:31","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T20:44:31","slug":"azithromycin-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/azithromycin-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Azithromycin side effects and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#common-azithromycin-side-effects\">Common azithromycin side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#serious-side-effects\">Serious side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#stomach-pain\">Stomach pain<\/a> | <a href=\"#heart-palpitations\">Heart palpitations<\/a> | <a href=\"#diarrhea\">Diarrhea<\/a> | <a href=\"#side-effects-timeline\">Side effects timeline<\/a> | <a href=\"#contraindications\">Contraindications<\/a> | <a href=\"#warnings\">Warnings<\/a> | <a href=\"#interactions\">Interactions<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-avoid-side-effects\">How to avoid side effects<\/a> | <a href=\"#how-to-treat-side-effects\">How to treat side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a generic prescription <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-do-antibiotics-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antibiotic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> used to treat a wide variety of mild to moderate bacterial infections. Also prescribed as brand-name <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zithromax\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zithromax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zithromax-z-pak\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zithromax Z-Pak<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, azithromycin treats respiratory infections such as bacterial <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pneumonia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pneumonia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, upper respiratory infections like sinusitis and tonsillitis, infections of the eyes and ears, skin infections, genital ulcers in men, and chlamydia infections of the vagina or urethra (urethritis). <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/macrolides\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macrolide antibiotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like azithromycin, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/clarithromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clarithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/erythromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">erythromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have some side effects, but fortunately, most people don\u2019t have too many problems. Treatment typically ends in a few days. Still, it\u2019s always important to know the potential downsides when given a prescription drug.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Azithromycin with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAzithromycin  (6 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-kroger.svg\" alt=\"Kroger Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.93<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-harristeeter.svg\" alt=\"Harris Teeter Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$5.93<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Azithromycin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"common-azithromycin-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common side effects of azithromycin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4314da8a-40e5-4aba-a32b-57b4166ade30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">common side effects<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/azithromycin\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">azithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are digestive system problems: diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Azithromycin\u2019s common side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indigestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaginitis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flatulence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headache<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injection site reactions are among the most common side effects for people who get an azithromycin shot.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"serious-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious side effects of azithromycin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though rare, some azithromycin side effects can be very serious. The most common of these include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevated potassium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jaundice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/pancreatitis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swollen pancreas<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/clostridium-difficile-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clostridium difficile<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Worsening of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/myasthenia-gravis-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe and even life-threatening allergic, skin, or drug reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"stomach-pain\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastrointestinal problems are hands-down the most common issues patients experience with azithromycin. The original manufacturer, Pfizer, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b749df83-49b0-433e-8a62-589a048dd716\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reported<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that 7% to 14% of participants had problems with diarrhea or loose stools, 5% to 18% felt queasy, and 5% to 7% complained of stomach pain. The effects are dose-related. The higher the dose, the more likely a person will have digestive system problems. Fortunately, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal issues usually go away after the drug has been stopped after three to five days of treatment. Meanwhile, the prescriber may have medical advice on handling the problem during treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"heart-palpitations\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart palpitations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the more serious problems with azithromycin is heart rhythm changes. For this reason, azithromycin is used cautiously in any person with a heart rate abnormality. The exact incidence of heart rate problems caused by azithromycin <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Azithromycin-azithromycin-24249\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">is unknown<\/a>. One severe, yet rare side effect is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5392117\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ventricular tachycardia<\/a>, or the speeding up of the lower chambers of the heart This means the body may not get enough blood even though the heart is beating fast. Immediately report racing heartbeats or palpitations to a healthcare professional when taking azithromycin.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"diarrhea\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea or loose stools are by far the most common adverse effect of azithromycin. In clinical trials, 4% to 5% of participants taking small doses over several days had problems with diarrhea. 7% of people given a 1 g single dose reported diarrhea and 14% given a 2 g single dose had diarrhea. The problem is time-limited, however. Once the drug is stopped, diarrhea eventually clears up. Unfortunately, azithromycin can cause an overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria in the colon which causes serious and even life-threatening diarrhea in the days or weeks after azithromycin treatment. Always get medical treatment if diarrhea is persistent, watery, or bloody. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-timeline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How soon do azithromycin side effects start?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many azithromycin side effects, such as digestive system problems, rash, headache, itching, and injection site reactions, can occur on the same day as the first dose, particularly if given a single, large dose. More serious side effects, such as C. difficile-associated diarrhea, are often delayed, sometimes appearing days after treatment has stopped.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do azithromycin side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most azithromycin side effects go away after the drug has been stopped, but it may take a while. It takes the body 68 hours\u2014three days\u2014to clear out half a dose of azithromycin from the body, so that some side effects may linger for a week or more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the long-term side effects of azithromycin?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin is rarely given for more than a few days, so side effects due to long-term use are not well known. Most side effects that appear while taking azithromycin get better in the days after the drug has been stopped. Some, like C. diff diarrhea, may appear a week or more after treatment and take several days of antibiotic treatment to get better. Others, like heart problems, may have lifelong consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"contraindications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin contraindications<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all drugs, azithromycin can be so risky in people with certain medical conditions that they can never safely take it.\u00a0 These are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Known allergies to azithromycin or other macrolide antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of liver problems (impairment or blockage) associated with azithromycin<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin use is not contraindicated for children 6 months and older, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or seniors. However, a risk versus benefit analysis should be done and alternative therapies considered if the risk of taking azithromycin seems too great.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"warnings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people with certain medical conditions can take azithromycin, but there will be risks that the prescriber will have to manage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cautions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people may have medical conditions that get worse when taking azithromycin. These include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other heart problems, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/congestive-heart-failure-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">congestive heart failure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a recent heart attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor kidneys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrolyte imbalances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A history of colon swelling due to antibiotic use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abuse and dependence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The FDA does not consider azithromycin or other antibiotics to have a risk for abuse or dependence. Azithromycin is used for only a few days and is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Too much azithromycin increases the likelihood and intensity of common side effects, particularly digestive system problems like diarrhea and nausea. Call a poison helpline or get medical attention if too much azithromycin has been taken.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recalls<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The use of Azithromycin and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zithromax\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zithromax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is very common in the United States. Tens of millions of pills are taken each year. It makes sense that lots produced by individual manufacturers have been recalled for quality reasons. However, the drug, in general, has not been subject to a total recall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"interactions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many problems caused by azithromycin are not side effects but drug interactions. The most serious involve potentially life-threatening changes to the way the heart beats. For this reason, the following drugs are too risky ever to be taken with azithromycin:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antipsychotics\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">antipsychotic drugs<\/span><\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pimozide\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pimozide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/thioridazine-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thioridazine<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The heart rhythm drug <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/multaq\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multaq<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (dronedarone)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recorlev (levoketoconazole) or cisapride<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though not forbidden, other drugs can also cause heart rhythm problems when combined with azithromycin. Many of these drugs lengthen the amount of time it takes for the heart to \u201crecharge\u201d after beating; this time is called the QT interval. The prescriber will call this \u201cQT prolongation,\u201d and it\u2019s not good. Azithromycin can cause this problem, so combining it with other drugs that cause the same problem may make matters worse:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/antidepressants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antidepressants<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antipsychotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/quinolones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quinolone antibiotics<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/opioids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioids<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-is-a-beta-blocker\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beta blockers<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cancer drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of antiviral drugs (particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/hiv-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIV\/AIDS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medications)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some drug interactions may cause other problems and require people taking azithromycin to be monitored carefully:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Live vaccines:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they\u2019re bacterial vaccines, they may not produce a good immune response when combined with antibiotics like azithromycin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Antacids:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> azithromycin should not be taken within two hours before or after taking a magnesium or aluminum-containing antacid because the antacid will reduce the body\u2019s absorption of azithromycin <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Oral <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/drug-classes\/anticoagulants\"><b>anticoagulants<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b> azithromycin may increase the anticoagulant effects of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/warfarin-sodium\">warfarin<\/a> and other oral anticoagulants, so healthcare providers will monitor blood clotting rates carefully while azithromycin is being administered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to avoid azithromycin side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects are not necessarily inevitable, even when taking antibiotics. Here are some ideas that can help minimize side effects and maximize the benefits of azithromycin treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Tell the prescriber about all medical conditions and medications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since many azithromycin side effects are due to pre-existing problems or drug interactions, give the prescribing healthcare provider a complete medical history. This should include all drugs being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Current medical problems are important, but so is a history of past medical conditions, especially:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart rhythm abnormalities or other heart problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drug allergies or reactions to antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any history of diarrhea when taking antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myasthenia gravis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cystic fibrosis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacterial infection of the blood<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy or plans on getting pregnant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breastfeeding<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. Take azithromycin as directed<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow the directions and dosing schedule given. The prescriber may advise taking the pill with a meal or on an empty stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. Do not miss doses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use an app or alarm to ensure each dose is taken as scheduled and on time. Late or missed doses allow the bacteria colony to recover. That\u2019s bad. Letting the bacteria recover increases the risk of growing an antibiotic-resistant strain, making treatment more difficult. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it\u2019s remembered. However, if it\u2019s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Take all the azithromycin doses<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take this medicine for as many days as instructed. It\u2019s common to feel much better after a few days of antibiotics, but the infection isn\u2019t completely gone. Even if the medicine makes you feel bad, take it faithfully until the very end to make sure the bacteria are gone for good.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Do not use azithromycin for other infections<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin only works against bacterial infections. Using it against viral or fungal infections will only cause side effects without any benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6. Eat plain foods<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0Consider eating plain and simple foods while taking azithromycin to avoid nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Fatty, rich, or spicy foods may make the problem worse.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7. Don\u2019t take azithromycin with antacids<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin can cause stomach pain and indigestion, but be careful about using antacids. Some antacids interfere with the digestive system\u2019s ability to absorb azithromycin. This is equivalent to reducing the dose, which isn\u2019t good. Don\u2019t take antacids two hours before or two hours after taking an azithromycin tablet.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to treat side effects of azithromycin<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s possible to be smart and avoid side effects, but not always. Here are a few tips for managing azithromycin\u2019s adverse effects if they rear up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drink lots of fluids to keep from dehydrating. Talk to the prescribing healthcare provider if the diarrhea is watery, bloody, or doesn\u2019t go away. Do this even if diarrhea occurs days or weeks after azithromycin has been stopped, as this could indicate a more serious problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with diarrhea, drink clear liquids to avoid dehydration, but only in small amounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat meals as you normally would, even if not hungry.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit down when feeling dizzy and stay seated until the spinning stops. Then stand up slowly. Lying down can sometimes make the spinning worse, so sitting is best.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Palpitations<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in the way the heart beats are a potentially serious problem. Go to an emergency room at any sign of irregular heartbeats, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast heartbeats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluttering or palpitations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest pain or discomfort<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shortness of breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver problems caused by azithromycin can only be spotted indirectly through symptoms such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark urine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discoloration of stools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yellow skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling tired<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These problems require medical help, so start by calling the prescribing healthcare provider. If the skin or the whites of the eyes start turning yellow, stop taking azithromycin and get immediate medical help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allergic reactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reactions to azithromycin could quickly escalate into serious medical problems, so get emergency medical help at any sign of an allergic reaction, skin reaction, or drug reaction, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble breathing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble swallowing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin rash<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hives<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blisters<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red or purple skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skin pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eye pain or burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Muscle weakness or cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sore throat (pharyngitis) or hoarseness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sources<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/online.epocrates.com\/drugs\/1436\/azithromycin\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Epocrates<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pdr.net\/drug-summary\/Azithromycin-azithromycin-24249\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin drug summary<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Prescriber\u2019s Digital Reference<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4314da8a-40e5-4aba-a32b-57b4166ade30\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Azithromycin tablet prescribing information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dailymed.nlm.nih.gov\/dailymed\/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b749df83-49b0-433e-8a62-589a048dd716\">Zithromax prescribing information<\/a>, U.S. National Library of Medicine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common azithromycin side effects | Serious side effects | Stomach pain | Heart palpitations | Diarrhea | Side effects timeline | Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects Azithromycin is a generic prescription antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of mild to moderate bacterial [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":53453,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[715,20954,12752],"coauthors":[8861],"class_list":["post-53452","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-antibiotics","tag-infections","tag-medication-side-effects","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Azithromycin side effects and how to avoid them | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Stomach pain, heart palpitations, and diarrhea are common azithromycin side effects. 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