Azithromycin 500 mg

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that combats bacteria to prevent and treat an infection. The medicine helps cure different types of bacterial infections in the respiratory tract (pneumonia, tonsilitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, and pharyngitis), ear, nose, throat, skin (acne and rosacea), lungs, and eyes in adults and kids. In the infection, the bacteria grows and multiplies in the body, causing infection. It’s advised not to skip a dose and complete the full course of treatment even after one starts feeling better. Antibiotics like Azithromycin do not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Azithromycin has been commonly prescribed to COVID-19 patients by healthcare professionals, and the application has been effective to a certain extent. 

In case you experience any allergic reaction after taking Azithromycin 500, report it to your doctor immediately. It’s important to inform your doctor of all the health conditions you had previously or the medical conditions you suffer presently. If you are allergic to certain medicines, you must inform your doctor before you start taking Azithromycin. One who suffers a disease that affects the immune system, like AIDS, must keep the doctor informed if prescribed the medicine. One must follow the doctor’s instructions when determining the medicine’s dosage and administration. 

Benefits of Azithromycin 500

Azithromycin 500 mg tablet is an antibiotic that treats a number of bacterial infections. The infections could be that of blood, intestines, lungs, bones, joints, stomach, urinary tract, and brain. The drug stops the growth of the infection-causing bacteria and clears it. You can take the medicine as directed and avoid skipping the doses. The medicines kill the bacteria and make sure they don’t become resistant.  

How Azithromycin Functions 

Azithromycin 500 mg is an antibiotic that prevents the synthesis of essential proteins that bacteria require to multiply and carry out their vital functions. The tablet stops bacterial growth and prevents the infection from spreading throughout the body. 

The infections azithromycin treats include -

1. Lung infections 
2. Chest infections 
3. Throat infections 
4. Ear infections (especially in children)
5. Dental and mouth infections 
6. Skin and tissue infections 
7. Sinus infections 
8. Stomach and intestinal infections 
9. Infections in female reproductive organs (pelvic inflammatory disease)
10. Infections in people with HIV/AIDS 

Azithromycin may not be appropriate for some infections based on the germs that cause the disease. In some cases, the bacteria may have developed a resistance to the medicine, making it less effective. It’s a must to discuss the concern with your doctor if you need to take the medicine.  

How to take Azithromycin 500 Tablets?

Take azithromycin as your doctor prescribes. It’s essential to follow all the instructions given. Do not take the medicine more or less than the suggested dose or for longer than instructed. The medicine dose and course length can differ as the treatment may not be the same for all types of infection. 

Azithromycin 500 MG Side Effects

The most common side effects of Azithromycin are listed below. If you experience any of them, tell your doctor. 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Headache 
• Pink and swollen eyes
• Muscle weakness and lack of muscle control
• Flu-like symptoms 
• Lack of energy 
• Loss of appetite 
• Bleeding and bruising 
• Extreme tiredness 
• Yellow eyes and skin
• Breathing trouble 
• Skin hives, rashes, and itching 

There are side effects of azithromycin that are not listed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you have side effects of the medicine. You can report the side effects of the medicine to the FDA at  www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. 

The serious side effects of Azithromycin include - 

• Diarrhea 

Antibiotics like Azithromycin can result in an overgrowth of germs named Clostridioides difficile. It can cause diarrhea, which may continue to happen up to 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from any of the symptoms mentioned below. 

1. Watery diarrhea
2. Blood in stool
3. Chronic diarrhea
4. Stomach cramps
5. Fever that hits after you start or complete the course. 

• Liver Damage 

Liver damage, also known as Hepatotoxicity, can be a side effect of Azithromycin intake. Inform your healthcare provider if you suffer from any of the following symptoms.

1. Nausea and vomiting 
2. Stomach or belly pain
3. Weakness or unusual tiredness 
4. Fever
5. Itching 
6. Loss of appetite 
7. Dark colored urine
8. Jaundice 

• Fast Heart Beat

Azithromycin may cause random and fluctuating heart rates, which is called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Older individuals, those with family members with the same conditions, those with potassium or magnesium deficiency, or those on medicines for other heartbeat-related problems, such as fast or skipped heartbeats, are more prone to this health risk.

• Severe Allergic Reactions 

Azithromycin can cause allergic reactions, which can turn really serious. Stop using the medicine and consult the doctor if you have any of the below symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Reactions include - 

• Breathing trouble 
• Racing heart 
• Fever or discomfort 
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• Throat tightness or difficulty swallowing
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Skin rashes or hives 
• Stomach cramps 
• Joint pain 

Azithromycin may cause angioedema, a specific allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. If you experience a similar kind of swelling, stop taking the medicine and consult your healthcare provider. If it causes breathing problems, seek immediate medical attention. 

• Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis 

Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis can affect infants who are less than 6 weeks old after they are given the medicine. The health condition makes it difficult for the food to move from the baby’s stomach into the intestines. The side effects bring them down with nausea and vomiting. Parents must consult the doctor if the baby throws up or is irritated while feeding.

Health Considerations Before You Take Azithromycin 500 

Inform your doctor about all your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or supplements you take. Your doctor will determine whether azithromycin is right for you.  Discuss if you have any of the following concerns - 

• Cardiac issues 

Inform your doctor if you or anyone in the family has a medical history of heart attacks or irregular heartbeats. The condition is also known as Long QT Syndrome. 

• Myasthenia Gravis (Muscle Problems)

Report to your doctor if you suffer from a condition called Myasthenia Gravis. Symptoms like muscle weakness and breathing trouble can worsen with the intake of Azithromycin.

• Present and Previous Health Conditions 

Tell your healthcare provider if you have low blood potassium or magnesium levels or kidney or liver problems. 

• Pregnant and lactating women 

It is still unknown how azithromycin affects pregnant or lactating women. If you are planning to conceive, inform your healthcare provider beforehand. As the medicine passes into breast milk, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine whether to take it while breastfeeding. 

Missed or Overdose? 

In case you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the first one. Don’t double dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. It’s important to complete your Azithromycin course even if the symptoms feel less. Completing the course reduces the risk of future infections being resistant to Azithromycin or other similar medicines. In case you have a medicine overdose, you may seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. 

What to Avoid?

Do not take medicines like Acid Gone, Aldroxicon, Alterrnagel, Di-Gel, Gelusil, Genaton, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Rulox, and other antacids. The antacids can make Azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time. If you have watery or bloody diarrhea, call your doctor. Don’t take anti-diarrhea medicine on your own. Avoid sunlight as you are prone to sunburns very easily upon taking azithromycin. Wear protective, full clothing and use sunscreens to resist sunburn.  

Additional Information 

Keep the medicine out of the reach of children, and never prescribe it to others. Only use it when prescribed. Consult your healthcare provider to ensure the medicine is the most effective in curing your health. 

Disclaimer  

Global Care Meds ensures that its consumers get expert-reviewed, accurate, and reliable information. However, the information herein should not be replaced with the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. The information may not cover all possible side effects, drug interaction warnings, or alerts. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to your infections or medicine. Our core intent is to provide information but not hamper the doctor-patient relationship.