What should I avoid while taking azithromycin?
Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or
after you take azithromycin. This includes Rolaids, Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, Pepcid
Complete, and others. These antacids can make azithromycin less effective when taken at the
same time.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you
have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop
the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Azithromycin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and
sunburn may result. Use a
sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
What are the possible side effects of azithromycin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-
diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-
chest pain, uneven heartbeats;
-
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark
urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-
fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
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