Azithromycin for Chlamydia Side Effects

Around 1 % to 10 % of people experience side effects that are usually mild and self-limiting. That is equivalent to 1-10 people in every 100 people taking the medicine will experience mild side effects.  If you experience side effects and they do not improve or they get worse the longer that you take your medicine then you should see your doctor and stop taking the medicine. Don’t worry about stopping the medication another antibiotic can be prescribed for you to treat your infection.  Side effects such as diarrhoea are due to the natural bacteria present within your gut also being disrupted by the antibiotic and you may ask our doctor if you can take an alternative antibiotic if diarrhoea persists. Yeast infections can also occur, however the natural resident bacteria that are disrupted in this case are those present on the skin, on the lining inside the mouth, anus and vagina. Antifungal medication may also be needed if you experience any symptoms of thrush, such as red sore/itchy areas of skin or thick white vaginal discharge or red sore areas on the penis.

Rarely serious side effects may appear and you should stop the medication and see your doctor straight away if you experience any of the symptoms of an allergic reaction, rather than mild side effects. Compounds within the medicine formulation such as sulphur dioxide may also cause an allergic reaction. If you are or think that you may be allergic to Azithromycin then this medication should be stopped and you may be prescribed another antibiotic such as Doxycycline instead.

Side effects reported after taking Azithromycin

After taking Azithromycin the common side effects that you may experience are feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, indigestion, dizziness or you may lose your appetite. Your doctor may prescribe another medication that can prevent nausea and vomiting that is induced by the antibiotic. This medication may also relieve a mild skin rash you can experience after taking doxycycline. Blistering of the skin and/or unusual sensitivity to sunlight are less common side effects and indicate that you may be allergic to the medicine, particularly if you experience a severe rash, itching or hives. If you notice a change in skin colour, which is a change to a more yellowish-colour than normal or yellowing of the whites of your eyes this indicates that you may be experiencing a serious side effect whereby the medicine may be affecting your liver function.

Other  indications that you may be allergic to the medication rather than just experiencing mild side effects are difficulty breathing, swelling (of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, lower legs), muscle weakness and  rapid or irregular heartbeat.

You may also experience mild side effects relating to your digestive system such as acid indigestion (heartburn), diarrhoea (loose watery stools that occurs more than 3 times a day), stomach pain, flatulence or constipation. If you experience severe diarrhoea that may or may not contain mucus or blood this may indicate that you are allergic to the medicine and your digestive system is inflamed or infected.  

Less common, less serious side-effects that you may experience that aren’t indicative of an allergic reaction are joint pain, sleepiness or sleeplessness, agitation, feeling unusually nervous and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

You may also have abnormal blood test results caused by taking this medicine so it is important to mention taking this medication to your doctor or nurse if you are having blood tests.

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