Azithromycin

[Bodyp]

Hi, Lasy year was my worse ever for Chest Infection started Sept&still ongoing although calmed a little since August. Bronchiatitis, Asthma diagnosed after Pneumonia (poss COPD). Prescribed above for Winter months x3 a week. However, I get stomach pains changing to back pains later in the day. I only get on the days I take, however breathing feels better since taking. Also take a Statin & lots of Vitamins (dont take on Azith days now). Anyone else have these side effects or is it just me? Thsnk you all.

[helenlw7]

I have asthma annd bronchiectstasis, and had pneumonia earlier this year. I also take Azithromycin three times a week, but 500mg not the usual 250mg because the higher dose is supposed to help asthma. I’ve been on Azithromycin for about 8 years, and in that time, I haven’t had any side effects. I hope you get it sorted.

[Bodyp in reply to helenlw7]

Oh Thank you so much for your help. My dose is 250gm I will see my Dr. Again thank you Helen

[Bodyp in reply to helenlw7]

I also take Carbocisteine 750gm x3 per day

[PW_R in reply to helenlw7]

Have you had many chest infections in 8 years?

[helenlw7 in reply to PW_R]

I had one right at the beginning. It was June and my consultant said to have an Azithromycin holiday because it was the early days of using it as a prophylactic, and anyway people don’t chest infections in the summer! Needless to say, I got one, the worst one I’ve ever had!

[peege]

Hi, I also have stomach issues so always take my Azithromycin 250mgs with or immediately after brunch. I've never had the symptoms you describe although if I were to take on an empty stomach I imagine I'd have a iffy tum. Alwzys read leaflets of your medications, they tell you what other med you can't mix with another. IE there's one statin that doesn't go with a certain BP medication (I learnt that on this forum a few weeks ago so double checked mine).

[Bodyp in reply to peege]

Thank you

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hello Bodyp,

Sorry to hear you are having side effects from your medication.

It's important to get in touch with your healthcare team if you have any new or worsening symptoms or any side effects from your medication.

If you can't get through to your GP, you can also try 111 for help.

You can also speak to a pharmacist about your medication or you can call us on 0300 222 5800 (Mon - Fri, 9:15 to 5pm) and we will be happy to put you in touch with one of our friendly nurses who can advise you.

Thank you and take care,

Helpline Team

[Bodyp in reply to AsthmaandLung]

Thank you I will

[Lfcpremier]

When i took azithro daily caused stomach pain, cut back to 3x weekly, after food. Ok 13yrs.x

[Bodyp in reply to Lfcpremier]

Thank you, maybe I try after food. Thank you

[rosco59]

I take Azithromycin 3 times weekly as you do. I did get stomach cramps to begin with but now make sure I take it after I’ve eaten, as others have suggested. That seems to have sorted it for me.

[Bodyp in reply to rosco59]

Thank you, I will try this tomorrow thank you

[Mooka]

The last time I was on Azithromycin I was getting stomach cramps so stopped it. When my consultant suggested a prophylactic antibiotic last year he gave me the choice between Azithromycin and co- trimoxazole. I chose the latter and don’t have a problem with it. I hope you find a solution.

[Bodyp in reply to Mooka]

Thank you for your help

[Lutontown]

That antibiotic gave me a terrible sore mouth, so soon stopped that and didn't get a chance to see if it worked. However, since getting rid of Black Mould in our bathroom in Apr 2018, I've had no chest infections, whereas prior to that, I had loads. Kept a diary in 2017, and counted 18 chest infections in that 12 months. Have a look. Mould will form wherever there is a water leak.

[Bodyp in reply to Lutontown]

Thank you, I havent seen any mould in the home, but thank you

[Lutontown in reply to Bodyp]

Mould can hide out of sight. Behind kitchen cabinets, under floor tiles. Under the bath.

[Maximonkey]

Hi Bodyp, I found when I was diagnosed and prescribed Azithromycin that my tummy troubles etc. all disappeared after about 6 weeks, whilst I was suffering I took plenty of yoghurt and pain relief. So bear with it. Azithromycin has been a life saver for me and I hope you find it helps you. If not, return to your Consultant and ask if there is another medication you can have. Take care, Maximonkey

[PW_R in reply to Maximonkey]

Do you copd or bronch?

[Bodyp in reply to PW_R]

Well it was query with both, but Consultant felt it presented more as Broncheatitis, although not showing on Scan last time

[Bodyp in reply to Maximonkey]

Thank you so much for this. I will indeed do as you advise, good to hear it Could improve