Most of the time, we hardly devote time for understanding the kind of medications that available for us, what they’re made of, the conditions they treat or whether or not they’ve proven successful. Sometimes however, a unique opportunity arises when we can spend a little time in trying to understand something about a particular treatment – the azithromycin 500 mg. It’s not a difficult task because all you have to do is read this article.

Uses for the 500 mg azithromycin tablet

The generic name for this particular antibiotic is azithromycin 500 mg and its brand name is Zithromax. This effectively means that azithromycin and Zithromax are exactly the same product but with different names.

As a macrolide-type antibiotic, azithromycin mainly use for the treatment of an extensive variety of bacterial infections.

It acts by stopping the growth of bacteria through actual neutralization or by disabling the ability of the bacteria to procreate and multiply.

It’s worthwhile to note that the medication won’t treat viral infections such as the common cold or flu.

In the event that this antibiotic treatment is misused unnecessarily, its potency and therefore effectiveness may be compromised.

Actually using azithromycin 500 mg

Before actually using the medication you should spend time reading thePatient Information Leaflet inside the medical box delivered to you and for each time when you get a refill.

If you have any doubts about using the medication, always ask your doctor or pharmacist for their advice.

You should take the medication by mouth as directed by your doctor once a day with or without food.

If you experience a stomach upset from taking the medication, you should have some food before taking it.

The prescribed dose for you is usually based on your medical condition and your ability to respond to the treatment.

Antibiotics are known to work effectively when the presence of the medicine in your body remains at a constant level.

It’s therefore wise to take the medication at the same time every day.

You should continue taking the medication until you’ve used the whole prescribed amount. You should do this even if your symptoms have disappeared.

If you stop your medication earlier than you should, it’s quite likely that the bacteria will get breathing space in which to grow, your condition may reappear and may even worsen due to bacterial resistance.

You shouldn’t be taking antacids, containing aluminum or magnesium at the same time you are taking azithromycin because its absorption of azithromycin into your body will decrease.

However, if you do take the antacid you should wait for about 2 hours before or after taking azithromycin. As always, inform your doctor if your condition continues or worsens.

Side effects caused from taking azithromycin 500 mg

• Stomach upset – abdominal pain, diarrhea/loose stools, nausea or vomiting

Quickly inform your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects persist or get worse. Always remember that the physician prescribed the medication in a way that will benefit you more than placing a greater risk for you to get side effects.

Usually, many people who take the medication do hot get serious side effects. However, you should tell your doctor promptly should any of these rare but serious side effects take place:

• Hearing changes – such as decreased hearing ability or deafness
• Eye issues –such as drooping eyelids or blurred vision, speaking difficulty/swallowing,
• muscle weakness – such as looseflabby muscles unsuitable for mobility.
• liver problems – such as unusual fatigue
• persistent – nausea/vomiting
• severe stomach/abdominal pain.
• yellowing of eyes/skin,
• dark urine

You should get immediate medical help if any of these very rare but serious side effects occur:

• fast irregular hearbeat,
• severe dizziness, fainting
• the medication seldom causes severe intestinal condition Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea because of resistant bacteria. The condition may take place during treatment or weeks and even months after the end of the course.
• refrain from using anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain treatments if you are experiencing any of these symptoms because they may exacerbate your condition.

Immediately tell your doctor if you develop:

• continuing diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. The continued use of azithromycin for lengthy or repeated periods may cause oral thrush or a new yeast infection.

You should also contact your doctor if you notice the following:

• white patches in your mouth,
• change ininvagal discharge
• other new symptoms

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is very rare, nevertheless, you should enlist medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic response that may include:

• rash, itching/swelling particularly of the face/tongue or throat.
• severe dizziness,
• trouble breathing

Sometimes, an allergic response to the medication may reoccur even if the treatment is stopped. Continue to monitor the situation for any of the symptoms mentioned above for several days following your last dose. Note that the above list of side effects is not exhaustive.

However if you happen to notice additional effects not included in the above list, quickly contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If you’re in the US, call your doctor and ask for advice on side effects or report side effects to the FDA. If you’re in Canada, ask your doctor for medical advice on side effects or report your problem to Health Canada.

Precautions you should know about azithromycin 500 mg

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are allergic to azithromycin before you actually begin taking it as well as any other antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin and telithromycin including any other allergies that you may have.

Inactive ingredients may be contained in azithromycin that may cause allergic responses or other issues. Ask you pharmacist to provide more details on the drug.

Don’t use the medication until you’ve told your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially information about:

• liver disease orkidney disease
• a muscle disease calledmyasthenia gravis
• irregular heart beat as the medication may cause a condition that affects heart rhythm also known as QT prolongation which can also cause severe dizziness and fainting which requires prompt medical attention.

Before you take azithromycin tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you’re taking and if you have any of the conditions listed below:

• heart problems such as heart failure, slow heartbeat
• family history of certain heart problems such as QT prolongation in the EKG
• sudden cardiac death
• low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood which may increase the risk of QT prolongation.

The risk may increase if you use drugs such as diuretics/”water pills” or if you have chronic sweating, vomiting or diarrhea.

Bottom line

Following a sufficiently detailed study of the side effects of azithromycin, you immediately become aware that a considerable study has already been undertaken on the 500 mg drug medication as to what it is and how it is used. You also become familiar with the many different types of side effects that are caused from taking azithromycin and the steps you need to make to make its use as effective as possible on your health. This article offers a wealth of information on the 500 mg dose.