What Is Azithromycin?

Potential Side Effects

Patients taking this medication may be faced with many potential side effects. Reports seem to indicate that the most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Swelling, fever, and crusty, red skin may also appear when individuals take this medication. Patients may also experience itchy skin and blisters on their skin. Although these side effects should be minor, patients may wish to report their concerns to a doctor regardless.

Some other side effects that may appear when individuals take this antibiotic include appetite loss, bloody urine, and muscle pain. Patients may be congested. They could also deal with increased coughing, and headaches or earaches may be possible. Few individuals appear to deal with breathing issues, heart rate changes, indigestion, or jaundice. Other patients can encounter dry mouth, taste changes, and white patches on their tongue. These white patches also seem to be able to appear elsewhere in their mouth and throat. Serious side effects may include feeling like the room is spinning, shaking, mood changes, and vision changes. Patients may need immediate medical attention for these symptoms.

Learn about precautions that may be linked to this medication next.

Precautions

Patients may need to speak to their doctor before they start taking this antibiotic. This discussion should include a review of their medical history. Some patients may not be able to take azithromycin if they have certain health issues. These issues may make this medication unsafe for them. Possible precautions include their history of kidney disease, jaundice, and liver issues. A history of heart problems may also matter. Heart issues of note may include heart failure and an irregular heartbeat.

Some patients may be more sensitive to the sun when they take this medication. Thus, doctors may recommend wearing sunscreen more often. Applying a brand with a higher SPF may also be helpful. Patients may also wish to consider staying away from the sun when possible. They may also choose to wear protective clothing in addition to sunscreen.

This antibiotic may interact with other medications. Learn about these possible interactions next.