Azithromycin is a medication in a class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. According to Drugs.com, azithromycin is used to treat many types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections and sexually transmitted diseases. It may also be used to treat certain bacterial infections in children. Patients who have had an allergic reaction to any macrolide antibiotic or erythromycin should not take this medication. Azitrhomycin should be taken for the entire length for which it is prescribed.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Patients taking Azithromycin may experience gastrointestinal discomfort. Symptoms can include mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain or upset, says Drugs.com. Although it is recommended to take Azithromycin one hour before or two hours prior to eating a meal, the tablet or oral suspension may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Eating smaller meals more frequently while avoiding spicy or fatty foods may help to alleviate stomach discomfort. Those who experience severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea should contact their physician.
Headache and Dizziness
Azithromycin may cause headache and dizziness. These side effects may diminish over time as the body adjusts to this medication. Patients should use caution while driving or operating machinery until they know how azithromycin will affect them. Users that develop a headache in conjunction with fever, sore throat and a severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash may be having a serious side effect to azithromycin and should seek immediate medical attention, reports Drugs.com.
Vaginal Itching and Discharge
Women taking azithromycin may experience vaginal itching and discharge. An antibiotic works by killing the harmful bacteria in the body. In some cases, it may destroy some of the body's good bacteria which creates an environment susceptible to the overgrowth of candida, or yeast. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include redness, itching, discomfort, pain with intercourse and a thick white colored discharge. Women who develop these symptoms should contact their gynecologist.
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