Azithromycin, marketed under the brand name of Zithromax, is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that treats bacterial infections. Many different types of infections respond to the medication, including strep throat, skin infections, ear infections, pneumonia and cervical infections. Azithromycin is available for pediatric use as well as for adults. The medicine dosing includes tablets, suspension, eye drops and injection. As with all medications, it is not possible to predict potential side effects and some may occur while using the medicine.
Common Side Effects
Most common side effects associated with Azithromycin include gastrointestinal upset. The stomach may experience nausea, pain and vomiting. The intestinal tract may react with diarrhea. According to drugs.com, the larger dosages needed for sexually transmitted bladder infections and cervical infections increase the chance of these side effects. Additional common side effects from taking azithromycin include headache, dizziness and insomnia. Some individuals may experience eye irritation including redness, burning, stinging or swelling of the eyelid when using the azithromycin eye drops. For the injectable form of the medication, localized pain from the shot may occur.
Severe Side Effects
Less common, but more severe side effects of azithromycin include severe watery diarrhea, with or without blood, heart palpitations, a loss of appetite and convulsions. Azithromycin may damage the liver, producing symptoms such as jaundice--a yellowing of the skin and eyes. A red, blistering skin rash may appear. Fevers, a sore throat, deafness, muscle weakness and a racing heart are all additional severe effects from taking azithromycin. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these effects.
Allergic Reactions
Severe allergic reactions to azithromycin may occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, but are not limited to, difficulty breathing, hives, a blue coloring of the lips and swelling of the airway. Airway swelling includes any area of the face, neck or throat. See your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you develop any of these symptoms.
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