Azithromycin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic, and like all medications, it can cause side effects. These can range from mild and common to more serious and rarer.
Common Side Effects:
· Gastrointestinal issues: These are the most frequently reported side effects and include:
o Nausea
o Diarrhoea (can be mild, but severe or bloody diarrhoea should be reported to a doctor immediately)
o Vomiting
o Abdominal pain
o Loss of appetite
· Headaches
· Dizziness or feeling tired
· Changes to sense of taste
Less Common but Potentially Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention if you experience these):
· Heart-related problems:
o Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
o QT prolongation (a rare heart problem that can cause irregular heartbeat, fainting, or sudden death, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or low potassium/magnesium levels)
o Chest pain
· Liver problems:
o Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
o Pale stool with dark urine
o Extreme tiredness, unusual bleeding or bruising
o Pain in the upper right part of the stomach
o Nausea, vomiting, confusion
· Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): This is rare but requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:
o Swelling of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
o Difficulty breathing (wheezing, gasping for air)
o Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
o Blue, grey, or pale skin, tongue, or lips
o Sudden confusion, drowsiness, or dizziness
o Rash that is swollen, raised, itchy, blistered, or peeling
· Serious skin reactions: (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)
o Fever, sore throat, burning in eyes, skin pain, red or purple rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
· Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Severe pain in the stomach or back.
· Hearing issues: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus), temporary hearing loss, or feeling unsteady on your feet (vertigo).
· Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: Severe diarrhea (possibly with blood or mucus) that can occur even weeks after finishing the antibiotic.
· Myasthenia gravis worsening: If you have myasthenia gravis, azithromycin can make your symptoms worse.
Important Considerations:
· Antacids: Do not take antacids containing aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours of taking azithromycin, as they can reduce its effectiveness.
· Sun sensitivity: Azithromycin can make you more sensitive to the sun, so wear protective clothing and use sunscreen.
· Contraceptive pills: If you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting, your contraceptive pills may not be as effective.
· Infants: Vomiting or irritability during feeding in infants (especially under 6 weeks old) taking azithromycin should be reported to a doctor immediately.
When to contact a doctor:
· If common side effects bother you or do not go away.
· If you experience any of the serious side effects listed above, seek immediate medical attention.
Always discuss any concerns about side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide personalized advice and determine the best course of action.
