Azithromycin is a prescription medication. Therefore, people should not take it without a prescription. The drug is available in the form of a tablet, an oral suspension solution, an eye drop, and an injection. The best type and dosage depends on the infection a person has. People can take the drug with or without food. They should thoroughly shake the liquid form before use.
Some examples of common dosages include :. Using antibiotics incorrectly can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, meaning that antibiotics no longer work against them. This is called antibiotic resistance. Learn more about antibiotic resistance here.
Like all drugs, azithromycin can have certain side effects. These are usually minor. In clinical trials, only 0. People who have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness, may develop worsening symptoms or breathing problems. People with a history of allergic reactions to macrolides or ketolides should not take azithromycin. People should not rely on azithromycin to treat syphilis. A person should speak to a doctor about any existing heart, kidney, and liver conditions before taking azithromycin, including an irregular heartbeat and especially QT prolongation.
A large cohort study found a small increase in the risk of cardiovascular death among people taking azithromycin. The risk was higher among those with other risk factors for heart disease , such as smoking, low physical activity levels, and a high body mass index BMI. The study reported that when compared with amoxicillin, there were 47 additional cardiovascular deaths per 1 million azithromycin prescriptions. Among people with the highest risk of heart disease, there were more deaths per 1 million courses of azithromycin.
This suggests that other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, may be a safer option for people with heart disease or certain types of heart arrythmias. In , the FDA issued a warning about the long term use of azithromycin in people with certain blood or lymph node cancers who have stem cell transplants.
Emerging research has suggested that azithromycin may increase the risk of cancer relapse in these people. Following a stem cell transplant, some people take azithromycin to reduce the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
The FDA have not approved azithromycin for this use, however. Rarely, azithromycin can cause liver toxicity. People should stop taking the drug and call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of liver problems, including dark urine, itching, or yellow eyes. In newborns younger than 42 days old , azithromycin may cause a dangerous condition called infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Safety depends on various factors, including the type of antibiotic, when in your pregnancy you take the antibiotic, dosage, and duration of use.
Even if an antibiotic has been linked to an elevated risk of birth defect , chances remain small. For example, the risk of having a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is about one in 4, Sulfonamide antibiotics such as Septrim and Bactrim are associated with a threefold increase, making the likelihood about one in 1,, according to the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
In a study published in the journal Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety , researchers investigated whether there was any link between taking macrolides — including azithromycin and clarithromycin — during pregnancy and having a baby with birth defects. Looking at data from over , pregnant women in the Quebec Pregnancy Cohort, they compared the outcomes of those who'd taken macrolides, those who'd taken penicillin, and those who hadn't taken any antibiotics.
The FDA classifies azithromycin as a category B drug, which means it has been shown to be safe in animal studies. Clarithromycin is category C, which means it has been shown to have negative effects in animals. Neither group has had well-controlled studies in humans.
No matter what you and your doctor decide is the right course of action in the case of infection, communication is key. Speak with all of your healthcare providers about any medications you are taking to avoid drug interactions, and always tell or remind your healthcare provider that you are pregnant when receiving prescription medications or care.
You should also make your prescriber aware of any allergies or health conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease or a history of hepatitis or jaundice or mononucleosis , as all can determine which antibiotic is safest for you, Dr. If you experience any side effects or if the infection is not clearing, you should also alert your prescribing physician. Antibiotics and Pregnancy. Aleisha Fetters June 11, Save Pin FB More. Viral infections should not be treated with antibiotics for two reasons:.
It won't get rid of the infection. Overuse of antibiotics leads to drug-resistant bacteria, so when you need antibiotics, they might not work. Preg antibiotics Some antibiotics commonly considered SAFE for use during pregnancy:. Set a reminder to ensure that you remember to take Azithromycin daily.
Antacids often contain aluminium or magnesium and may decrease the absorption of Azithromycin. If you are on an antacid, have it at least 2 hours before or after having Azithromycin. We have listed the most crucial azithromycin effects below. However, this might not be a comprehensive list. Consult your doctor to learn more. Some drugs are considered safe to consume during pregnancy.
However, there are a few medicines whose effects on an unborn child have not yet been studied. Some medications are harmful to the baby when taken during the first few months of pregnancy. A few drugs, like tetracycline, can be absorbed by an unborn child, and it can cause side effects. Hence, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking medication while pregnant. Most doctors think that using Azithromycin is safe in pregnancy. As stated above, human studies have not linked miscarriage or birth defects to the usage of the medication.
However, since studies have been conducted on small groups, the data is not entirely conclusive. Hence, always take Azithromycin during pregnancy only if needed and directed by your doctor. Also read: Amla during pregnancy. Azithromycin is safe to use during pregnancy in most medical expert opinions.
Complications during pregnancy, miscarriage, and potential harm to the fetus have not been linked to using this medicine. However, only commence an Azithromycin course if your doctor has recommended it. This is because, like all drugs, Azythhromycin also has side effects that could negatively affect certain pregnant women's body conditions. What is Azithromycin, And What does it Treat?
Is Azithromycin Safe For Pregnancy? Azithromycin Use In Pregnancy Doctors may prescribe Azithromycin in pregnancy to a woman for the treatment of acute bacterial infections. The usage of Azithromycin is usually clinically indicated for the following conditions: Community-acquired pneumonia an infection that inflames the lungs air sacs , caused by S.
Sinus infection due to Streptococcus pneumonia.
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