I started long term (alternative days) azithromycin 250mg a few months. I am not able to take the capsules because I have a swolling problem, they were changed to tablets which can be taken with food.
3-4 hours after taking a tablet I start to feel really unwell, shivery, so tired, bloated, awful stomach pains and oral thrush. The feeling of being unwell subsides slowly the following day only to emerge again on the next tablet day.
I have tried without success to get someone from the Surgery to discuss the meds, I have sent numerous messages. The last one was picked up by a Doctor somewhere who didn't know me and said she was picking up the surgerys messages. She said she couldn't help me but would leave a message with the surgery. Still no joy.
The respioratory consultant is unreachable. I have an appointment with him in 4 months time.
I have tried the chemist. No luck.
Has anyone had similar side effects?
Written by
wizsue
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi wizsue, I found Azithromycin upset my stomach too but thought it could be because I have a very sensitive stomach with IBS... but also take lots of pills etc due to other ailments.. I found they not only bloated me but felt like they caused a burning like heartburn ..Regarding having no replies to your messages.. I would suggest
e mailing the secretary to your consultant Cc your GP (copy to)
It's good to know other people also have problems with this drug. It is a shame because it seems to help my chest, but I also have IBS and diverticular disease too. I think I will stop them for now and as you say try emailing the consultant and leave another message with the surgery.
Hi Wizsue, I also take azithromycin 3 days a week as my winter antibiotic but found out can't take them with any anti acid tablets so I take mine at night now and don't seem to have any problems hope this helps with you xx 🥰
Wow - I had no idea that there's a problem taking antacids with azithromycin. I take a ppi half an hour before my breakfast, where I have been taking my 3xweek azith. How did you discover this Belledaisy?
My Mum was recently given omeprazole for reflux and told not to take them on the same day as her Mon, Wed & Fri Azithromycin. Didn't say why but def made a point.
She is 94 years old so wonder if maybe it was to lessen side effects? A 20mg dosage of the Omeprazole 4 days a week did the job though. She stopped 4 weeks ago and now back to being disturbed at night, lump in throat, breathless and having to get up to clear throat. Exhausted. Back on it today. They hoped 2 months would settle the problem and it would not return but it has.
I have always taken my azithromycin at night. But I take emeprazole morning and night as well. Thankfully I never seem to have had any problems. I do sympathise with others who have problem with medication.
I have always taken my azithromycin at night. But I take emeprazole morning and night as well. Thankfully I never seem to have had any problems. I do sympathise with others who have problem with medication.
You can't go on like that. If it were me I would stop taking the tablets. Various people, including Littlepom, have replied to Cornishman's post on a similar subject.
Thanks Elsa. The capsules cant be taken with food but I take them in tablet form which can be taken with food. I did check with the Pharmacy first though.
hi there. I started on Azithromycin about 13 or 14 years ago and I take it daily. I found that it really upset my tummy, spasms nausea etc etc then I switched from taking it am to pm. I found that when I took it prior to going to bed that I seemed to bypass all the side effects. I have stuck to that routine religiously. It has never bothered me since then.
That's really interesting to hear as I have been on them 7yrs and on 500mg 3 times a week and get bloated heartburn on constant running to the loo after 6hrs,I take them in the morning so I might try evening and see if it will help
I genuinely hope it works for you. I used to be doubled over with tummy spasms at work until I switched times. I keep them in my bedside cabinet and take them literally before bed. I sit propped up for 5 minutes to allow them to go down and then I rest easy. I learned once that lying down as soon as i’d taken them wasn’t a good idea, but a few minutes made all the difference. Fingers crossed it works for you to
Hi 7yrs on from 250mg to 500mg 3 times a week stomach cramps bloated and running to the loo after 6 hrs is what I have got used to so I sympathise with you, I am going to try what jandm suggested and take them in the evening to see if they work better
Was your TMPT level checked prior to being prescribed azothromycin? I am a TMPT carrier so my azithromycin dosage was reduced but not sufficiently and I was very ill after taking it. I was told to stop taking it and prescribed an alternative.
Sorry I don't know what TMPT means. Before I started Azithromycin I had to have a blood test and ECG to make sure my heart condition was not going to affect the drug.
I take Omeprazole everyday and took the stronger Azythromycyn dose 500mg i managed them they do change your bowel habits upset stomach but were all different. Drs should be helping you if they dont agree with you at all. Good luck. Karen xxx
I have the same tablets and always take at least an hour before my breakfast and have no problems at all with them. Maybe taking with food is causing the problem. Worth a try
Hi.. So awful for you to suffer these side effects. I have taken them for 11years.Started off daily but reduced it myself to 3x weekly(the usual dose).You could try acidophilus probiotic daily to help with the thrush & take with fodbut I think an email to the consultant needed.
I managed to get through to the consultants secretary. She was very helpful and managed to get him to reply within a few hours. I have now been told best to stop taking the drug for now and when I see him in 4 months time! he will look at other drugs. Still got a long wait.
Glad you got in touch with him. If you deteriorate you would have to contact him again. 🤞you remain fairly stable.Do you take Carbocysteine & use a nebuliser with saline to help clear your chest? Worth considering. 😊
Azith. was helping my lungs, but the side effects seem are really unbearable and not subsiding. Yes I do take Carbocysteine, ventolin and another inhaler as well as having a nebuliser.
If you have still not had a reply from your GP, I would strongly recommend speaking to a Pharmacist, again, the response to such can vary, but I have had excellent response from the Link Pharmacy in Maidstone, tel: 01622 752990, I'm not sure where your location is, but truly worth a chat. You can also take Gaviscon for acute episodes of acid reflux, however read the instructions as there is time advice between doses of Gaviscon and PPI's and food, so its a balancing act. I had horrendous reflux from Trimbow inhaler, I couldn't even stand up straight, so I do appreciate your discomfort and concern. Good luck with that, and ask about alternative methods of taking the medication you have been prescribed, or an alternative.
Hi wizsue, I have been taking Azith for 11 years now and I am very grateful to have been able to tolerate them. For the initial 6 weeks or so I too suffered with stomach problems but then my body seemed to adjust and I am great now. I take them after breakfast and suffer no problems. I imagine the tablets take longer to digest so capsules should be kinder to your stomach. Can't you talk to your GP and ask advice? I have found over time not to take any juices around breakfast time as these too did not mix well with Azith. Maybe look at what you are eating, I take mine after a bowl of porridge which gives my stomach a good lining. The benefits of Azithromycin are huge. No infections, no pneumonia and a better life. Hope this helps. Take care Maximonkey
Biotene dry mouth spray will enable to swallow any pill. 3 sprays in the back of your throat and put the pill in the back for a few seconds and wash down with water.
I am really sorry to hear you have got this problem. I have been on Azith for more than 3 years now and never had any sde effetct. I think you should really discuss this with your GP or even better with your lung specialist when you get a chance to see him😔.
The only advise I can give you is trying to take it on a full stomach. Sometimes that helps.
Hi sorry there making you poorly, I'm also taking 500ml 3 times a week, they have much the same effect, bad tummy dizziness a general feeling of unwell Ness, I've stopped taking them at the moment, seeing that other's have side effects there's a few of us, wishing you well ☺️
Yes that's me too. So far I stopped because my stomach was so sore. I will attempt to ring the specialist next week who works at the resp clinic for more advice. I am disappointed because I have never had this issue before with this medication. Keep in touch and we can trade experiences. Thank you
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
AZITHROMYCIN
Fostair side effects 
Medication side effects
