Azithromycin Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Azithromycin side effects include colitis, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Rare Azithromycin side effects may include rash, itching, chest pain, heart palpitation, arrhythmias, pain in the joints, vaginitis, dizziness, headache, sleepiness, seizures, insomnia, and photosensitivity.

Azithromycin Side Effects Reporting

If you experience any Azithromycin side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum type of antibiotic drug known as a macrolide antibiotic. Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, skin, and throat. Azithromycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria by preventing them from producing proteins that are essential to their survival thereby stops the spread of infection and remaining bacteria are eradicated by the body's own immune system. However, Azithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Azithromycin Overdose

Azithromycin overdose may cause severe side effect symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. In case of Azithromycin overdose, seek medical help right away. If you miss a dose of Azithromycin, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Azithromycin.

Azithromycin and Pregnancy

The safety of Azithromycin for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered necessary by your physician. Azithromycin passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while using Azithromycin. Azithromycin may make oral contraceptive less effective at preventing pregnancy.

Azithromycin Warning

Azithromycin can cause a severe and sometimes fatal intestinal disorder known as colitis. Signs of colitis are diarrhea, bloody, pencil-shape stool, and abdominal cramps. For that reason, Azithromycin should only be given in serious conditions that cannot be treated by other antibiotics. Inform your physician right away if you experience colitis like symptoms.

Azithromycin capsules should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after food. Azithromycin suspension can be taken with food.

Azithromycin capsules are not suitable for children weighing under 45kg. The suspension should be used for children who weigh under 45kg.

Azithromycin is not recommended for children under six months of age.

Azithromycin Caution

Inform your physician if you have any of thefollowing before using Azithromycin.

Severely decreased kidney function.

Abnormal heart rhythm.

Allergy to macrolide or ketolide type antibiotics, eg erythromycin.

Severe liver disease.

Azithromycin should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients.

Azithromycin Interaction

Azithromycin should not be taken by people taking ergotamine or other migraine drugs.

Antacids

Azithromycin may increase the blood levels of the following Drugs:
ciclosporin
digoxin
mizolastine
pimozide
quetiapine
reboxetine
theophylline.

Azithromycin may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effects of warfarin and possibly other anticoagulant medicines.

Azithromycin may make oral contraceptive less effective at preventing pregnancy.

Oral typhoid vaccine should not be taken until at least three days after you have finished a course of Azithromycin, because Azithromycin could make the vaccine less effective.

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