Can you start another antibiotic when already on azithromycin every other day.

[patj]

I am on azithromycin 250 every other day which did help to start with then seemed to not be so affective. But I think I know have a chest infection ,do I start another antibiotic clarithromycin 500 that I have for flare ups, or take the Azithromycin every day. Has anyone else been like myself.

I have severe COPD and feel that nothing helps even down to my inhalers. I start a antibiotic and it really starts to help then its all back to square one again. I have every antibiotic imaginable plus sputum tests that say a certain antibiotic will work but it doesn't completely clear. I have been like this over a year now and I do attend a chest clinic which is who started me on Azithromycin. The consultant said it would stop the exacerbations but not stop me having chest infections. I just feel I take 2 steps forward then 6 back, my next chest clinic appt is not till February. I do have my yearly COPD check up at the docs on Thursday.

I will certainly be asking questions. Any help greatly received.

[pollyjj]

I am told to stop my azithromycin when taking clarithromycin 500 which I am doing now.

polly xx

[patj in reply to pollyjj]

Thanks Polly yes I have stopped my azithromycin but needed to check this is correct.

[Hidden in reply to patj]

yes Pat it is correct each time I start a course of AB's to clear a flare up I had to stop the zithromycin except where the doctor say other wise as on my last flare up he decided to clobber it with co-amoxiclav and the zithromycin

[RibvanRey]

Yes Pat, as Ant says, unless told otherwise by your doctor/ respiratory care team you should stop your Azith when taking a course of antibiotics. Rib

[sassy59]

I agree with the above patj and that is what Pete does. He has sarcoidosis and copd and has just swapped from Doxy everyday to Azithromycin every other day. He takes them alternately for about a year or two as they do become less effective over time. If Pete has a chest infection then the Clarithromycin 500 are what he uses. Take care and hope you feel a bit better soon. xxxx

[patj in reply to sassy59]

Thank you I have not been on Azithromycin for very long only a couple of months. Still feel rough been on clarithromcyin now for 4days and started my relief pack of steroids this morning here's hoping xx

[peege]

The others have answers your question so I can't add to what they write.

Just to say, be sure to get your GP to listen to your chest before you complete your clarith course. One course may not be enough to shift it and you may need to continue into another week. Don't forget to get a replacement for your emergency pack. Best, P

[Hidden]

My doctor does not agree with this and insists that the Zithromax is continued no matter what other antibiotics are being taken at the same time. I've given up arguing with him about this and take it except when I'm taking Clarithromycin. He seems to follow his own rules about all medications. This doesn't make for the easiest doctor - patient relationship and sometimes I think my life would be easier if I knew nothing about my condition or the meds we take. Ignorance can sometimes be bliss ... or not

[Hidden]

Hi Patj, your story sounds very much like mine, a year of hell! until october when i was given Azithromycin. My rescue pack is clarinthromycin and steroids, which i have used twice since then. My consultant said take them at the same time, which i did, it has kept me out of hospital and feeling so much better, so i would say a definate yes!

Take care Love Sheila Xx

[patj in reply to Hidden]

I agree they did start to work the Azithromycin but then I think I got this chest infection so I have stopped taking Azithromycin and started clarithromcyin and steroids but it on them now 5 days and not slot of change. As I said I have my copd check at the docs tomorrow I will a ask if I'm doing it right. I just get do frustrated with my breathing when it's hard to carry out your daily life. Thanks for your reply SHeila it is nice to know that there is other's out there like myself take care x

[Bryju124]

I was told to continue my azithromycin as well as taking my antibiotics for chest infection, so different everywhere can be so confusing g

[Sohara]

I could not ask my consultant, when I did get an infection when on Azi...so I had read on here to stop the Azi and take the AB's...I needed 2 courses of AB's ( much less than usual to clear and infection up) but then I started the AZI again...I actually took one every day for the first week, before going back to my 3 a week.....that worked but I still don't know whats the best thing to do, will ask my cons at next visit.

Very useful posts though thanks to all who have posted

Love Sohara x

[kimmy59]

I was told to continue with the Azithromycin along with other AB's

Kim xxxx

[Hidden]

I think it's a decision a doctor can make depending on the severity of your condition or a particular infection. I get mad with my doctor because he always wants me to stay on everything. But in fairness to him, I have veryextensive bronchiectasis that's becoming more and more difficult to treat and he's the one who's keeping me alive. So maybe I should stop complaining and do what I'm told.

[Symes]

I'm on both. My doctor seemed to think Azithromycin and Clarithromycin were fine together. Only one of my meds she told me to stop taking was my statins.

Thing is, I'm now getting these weird things happening to me and I'm wondering if it's because I'm taking the two together. Headaches, dizziness, light headedness, weird feeling in my legs, stomach pains.

Going to see the Doctor tomorrow