How To Reduce Side Effects Of Azithromycin?

By Kripal Negi

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

January 18, 2023

Every medicine has a set of side effects; however, not every person gets affected.

Here are some common side effects of azithromycin, along with ways to reduce the side effects of azithromycin , which has a frequency of around 1 in 100 people.

Nausea: In case you are feeling sick due to the medicine, consume simple food with fewer spices for easier digestion. Avoid spicy food items.

Diarrhoea: In case of diarrhoea, try to make up for the lost water by drinking fruit juices and water. Signs of dehydration could be a lesser amount of micturition or dark colour urine with a smell. If you’re consuming azithromycin, do not take any other medicine to control diarrhoea without consulting a pharmacist or a doctor.

In case you took a contraceptive pill and had constant diarrhoea for the next 24 hours, the pill would not be effective in avoiding pregnancy. You can check the backside of the packet of the pill for more information.

Vomiting: To compensate for the lost amount of water, take sips of water at regular intervals. Take complete rest and avoid any medication with the knowledge of a pharmacist or doctor.

In case you took a contraceptive pill and had regular vomiting for the next 24 hours, then the pill would not be effective in avoiding pregnancy. You can check the backside of the pill packet for more information.

Loss of appetite: Even if you do not feel like eating, try to have your meals at the usual time. It is better to have smaller food portions than not having any at all. Take snacks if you feel hungry at other times. Do not eat junk food to reduce the side effects of azithromycin . Consume nutritious snacks like dried fruits, nuts, etc., which are rich in good fats and protein.

Change in the sensation of taste and smell: If you notice a change in taste or smell sense, inform your doctor. Keep consuming the medicine to tackle it.

Serious side effects of azithromycin

Here are a few severe and rare side effects affecting around 1 person in 1000.

You may want to call the doctor immediately in the following cases:

Increased heartbeats or irregular pattern

The colour of the eye turns yellow (less visible on the darker side of skin tones). The skin might also turn yellow. The urine can look darker, which is a sign of gallbladder or liver-related problems.

You feel a sensation of ringing in your ear (tinnitus), loss of hearing and lack of balance on foot (vertigo).

You feel extreme pain in the stomach or back. It is probably due to inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

You see blood or mucus during diarrhoea along with muscle pain. Even if you have had diarrhoea for more than 4 days, consult a doctor immediately.

Serious allergic reactions

In extreme cases, azithromycin can trigger severe allergic reactions in the body.

Consult a doctor immediately if:

You see a skin rash with red blisters, which is swollen and causes intense itching.

You face continuous wheezing and coughing.

You experience tightness in your throat or chest.

You face problems while breathing or talking.

There is inflammation on the mouth, face, lips or tongue.

These are the symptoms of a sudden allergic reaction which needs immediate hospital attention.

In case you want to get more details about ways to reduce the side effects of azithromycin medicine, you may get in touch with us at Ujala Cygnus Hospital . Our healthcare professionals would overview all the existing conditions and suggest the prescribed medicines and treatment plan as per your case. So book your appointment and have a consultation with our experts today!

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