Azithromycin Tablets
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Availability
Fastest delivery available: 30/04/2024
| Qty | 4 |
|---|---|
| Price | £16.99 |
Medication features
Azithromycin is a widely used antibiotic that can treat common sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.
Doxycycline is now recommended as first-line treatment for Chlamydia in the UK. Azithromycin can be used as an alternative for those who cannot take Doxycycline.
- Stops the growth of bacteria
- Effective antibiotic
- Clears Chlamydia
Overview
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is part of a group of antibiotics known as macrolides which are highly effective in the treatment of bacterial infections such as chlamydia.
Azithromycin (also branded as Zithromax) is an STI medication that functions as an antibiotic, specifically targeting the different types of bacteria responsible for infections, chlamydia, ureaplasma urealyticum, and gonorrhoea (when combined with Cefixime).
One of the main benefits of azithromycin is this medication's ability to cure most infections in a single high dose. Taking it in a single dose also means that it's less likely to cause lasting side effects.
Azithromycin is also able to treat more than one non-gonococcal infection at a time, which is extremely beneficial, as some STIs tend to flourish alongside others.
Azithromycin 500mg typically comes in tablets, capsules, or a liquid form. When it is administered in a hospital, it is sometimes injected.
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin works by killing the bacteria causing the infection, stopping it from growing in a certain area. If you take it, it will target the area where the infection is present and prevent more bacteria from growing - which means that after a few days, the infection should stop.
Azithromycin uses
Azithromycin is a versatile medication used for a number of different infections, including the following:
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia
- Pneumonia and chest infections
- Sinusitis
- Lyme disease
- Skin infections
- Ear infections
Some people who have recurrent chest infections can also take Azithromycin as a long-term treatment. When taking Azithromycin for this reason, patients will have it three times per week. Always consult your doctor before embarking on a course of Azithromycin for chest infections.
Azithromycin and alcohol
Many antibiotics cannot be taken with alcohol. However, it is thought to be safe to have a small amount when taking Azithromycin.
Alcohol shouldn’t lower the effectiveness of Azithromycin - however, drinking may increase the chance of side effects. It is safer to avoid alcohol while taking Azithromycin, but don't worry if you forget and have a drink.
Taking Azithromycin in pregnancy
It is usually not recommended to take Azithromycin while pregnant. However, your doctor may recommend it in specific cases. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are trying to get pregnant, and want to buy Azithromycin, always speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
How effective is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is very effective when it is used as an STI treatment. For example, taking a course of single-dose Azithromycin for seven days has a cure rate of 97%.
Can I buy Azithromycin 500mg over the counter?
Azithromycin is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.
As long as you don’t have any worrying medical conditions that could increase the chance of serious side effects, have no medication allergies, and aren’t taking any other drugs that may react to it, you can buy Azithromycin online.
Following a short consultation with one of our trained pharmacists, Azithromycin tablets and other sexual health treatment are available to purchase from Cloud Pharmacy. Order before 3:30 pm to receive next-day delivery.
Warnings
Azithromycin contains the active ingredient of azithromycin (as azithromycin monohydrate), in doses of either 250mg or 500mg per tablet/capsule. Athough Chlamydia is its main use,
Azithromycin can also be used to treat other ailments (as it’s an antibiotic).
If you forget to take your Azithromycin tablet then you should take it as soon as you remember. If you are taking it for longer than a single dose, and it’s nearly time for your next one then do not double up to make up for the forgotten dose.
If you take more Azithromycin than you should, then you should contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately as the effects can include hearing loss (reversible), nausea and diarrhoea.
Patient Information Leaflet
Azithromycin Patient Information Leaflet
Directions
What Azithromycin dose should I take?
For the treatment of Chlamydia, our prescriber will prescribe Azithromycin 500mg tablets with two tablets to be taken immediately followed by one tablet daily for further 2 days.
To experience the best effects of the medication, try to take it at the same time every day. A useful tip to ensure that you take the medication is to take it before the same meal time every day (one hour before eating, do not take with food).
How to take Azithromycin?
If you have been prescribed the capsules as opposed to the tablets or liquid, do not take them with food. Have them a minimum of one hour before eating or more than two hours after. You can take azithromycin tablets or liquid with or without food.
Make sure that you swallow your tablets whole and drink a glass of water while doing so. Don’t lie down straight after taking Azithromycin, as doing so can irritate your throat.
If you are using liquid Azithromycin, your pharmacist will usually measure it out for you. There should be a measuring spoon or a syringe to help you measure the amount that you’ll need.
If you miss a dose of Azithromycin, take it when you remember. If it is already time for the next dose, don’t take two tablets at once - skip the missed dose and resume your course. To ensure that you don’t forget your doses, try to set an alarm to remind you or take the tablet at the same time each day.
If you accidentally take two tablets on the same day, keep an eye out for side effects. If they are mild, you should be safe to continue with the course.
However, if you are taking Azithromycin and experience any severe side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you are worried about having taken too much, consult your doctor.
If you take more than one extra dose, speak to a pharmacist or doctor immediately.
How long does it take for Azithromycin to work?
Most people start to see an improvement of symptoms within a few days of taking Azithromycin. However, it is crucial that you complete the course even if you start feeling better. Ending courses of antibiotics too early can cause you to experience other, sometimes dangerous, symptoms and the increased potential of a return of the infection.
Don’t worry if it takes you a little longer to feel better - finish the course, and speak to your doctor if you are still experiencing symptoms. You may need to have another STI test to see if it is still present.
Who cannot take Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is safe for most people. However, speak to a doctor before taking Azithromycin if you have any of these chronic conditions:
- Liver disease or other liver problems
- Heart conditions
- Kidney disease or other kidney problems
- Myasthenia gravis
- Diabetes
- Allergies to any medicines
If you have ever experienced diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics in the past, speak to your doctor about this. They will usually advise a more effective treatment.
If you have any other chronic conditions, it is advisable to speak to your doctor before trying Azithromycin. Your conditions may put you at higher risk of experiencing side effects, and there may exist a more suitable medication to take that will treat your infection.
Side Effects
Azithromycin side effects
As with any drug, there are various common and less common side effects that can affect people who take Azithromycin. Most people have a good experience with Azithromycin, and only experience mild side effects or none at all. Usually, the benefits of taking azithromycin far outweigh the risk of side effects.
Common side effects of Azithromycin
These common side effects occur in 1 in 100 people. If they are mild, you can keep monitoring them at home and continue the treatment as normal. If they are severe or don’t stop, contact your doctor
Common side effects of azithromycin include:
- Headaches
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Change to your sense of taste
- Dizzy feeling
- Mild diarrhoea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects of Azithromycin
There are also a few serious side effects of Azithromycin. These are rare - they occur in 1 in 1000 people. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor immediately.
Serious side effects of Azithromycin include but are not limited to:
- Chest pains
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Ear changes, including tinnitus or temporary hearing loss
- Yellow skin or eyes, pale stools, and dark urine - these could indicate that there is an issue with your liver or gallbladder
- Diarrhoea with blood or mucus
- Any diarrhoea for more than four days
- Vertigo
If you feel like any of these symptoms are severe, go to A&E.
Allergic reactions to azithromycin
Allergic reactions to Azithromycin are rare but do occur. If you experience any of these allergic reaction symptoms, go to A&E immediately.
Allergic reactions to Azithromycin include:
- Wheezing
- Trouble talking or breathing
- Swelling in the face
- Tightness in the chest
- Swollen, itchy, blistering rash
Azithromycin medicine reactions
Azithromycin reacts with a few medicines. If you take any of these, speak to your doctor before taking:
- Warfarin (blood clotting medication)
- Antacids (indigestion medicine)
- Dihydroergotamine or ergotamine (medicine for migraines)
- Nelfinavir (HIV medicine)
- Rifabutin (another antibiotic)
- Simvastatin or atorvastatin (cholesterol medicine)
- Digoxin (heart medication)
- Ciclosporin or tacrolimus (immune system medicine)
- Colchicine (to treat gout)
- Sotalol or amiodarone (for an irregular heartbeat)
This is not an exhaustive list, so if you are taking any medicines, supplements, or herbal treatments, it is best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you buy Azithromycin.
There are no known reactions with herbal treatments or supplements, but new information is coming out all the time and your doctor will be updated with this.
Azithromycin Tablets FAQs
How do you take Azithromycin tablets?
Azithromycin is taken as a 3-day course, two tablets on day one followed by one tablet on days 2 & 3. It should be taken on an empty stomach with plenty of water.
Is it safe to buy Azithromycin online?
We can guarantee that medication such as Azithromycin purchased from Cloud Pharmacy is genuine prescription treatment reviewed by a medical prescriber registered in the UK. Our prescriber assesses every consultation to ensure the medication, quantity, and dosage is safe for you. Once you have your prescription, you can order Azithromycin safely and discreetly from Cloud Pharmacy. It is sent straight to the pharmacy for you, then straight to your preferred address.
Our service at HealthExpress has all the relevant and mandatory safety certificates including the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhc).
How can I buy Azithromycin online?
Buying prescription medicines online is becoming an increasingly popular method due to its ease and secureness, especially when obtaining embarassing medication. You can buy Azithromycin from our online pharmacy by starting your consultation above. By ordering online with us you will receive the following benefits:
- No inconvenient face-to-face appointments
- Next day delivery available if ordered before 3:30pm
- No long waiting room and pharmacy queues
- Discreet packaging
- The price you see is the price you pay
- Medication is approved by our UK qualified team
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin belongs to a group of anti-bacterial medications known as macrolides. These work by preventing bacteria from multiplying, as it affects peptide activity and protein production require. When these two functions are inhibited, the infection can't stay alive and spread, leaving it vulnerable to the body's defence mechanisms. This causes the bacteria cells to die off, which then stops the infection.
How do I know if I have Chlamydia?
In many cases, chlamydia can be symptomless, which is what makes it such a prolific disease. It is estimated that around 50% of men and 70% of women do not suffer any of the associated symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended to get checked after having unprotected sex, especially if you have several partners or are with a new partner.
For those who do experience symptoms, the most common are:
- A discharge from the penis/anus or vagina
- Pain whilst urinating
- Bleeding in between periods
Cloud Pharmacy offers a discreet home STI testing which can be purchase online.
Can I still have sex whilst taking Azithromycin?
Ideally, you should abstain from sex until your chlamydia has cleared. However, if you decide to have intercourse whilst undergoing chlamydia treatment, it is important that you make your partner aware of the risks. Make sure you use a condom to help avoid transmitting the infection. If you suspect a condom has split, make sure your partner gets testing for chlamydia and that they receive the appropriate treatment if necessary.
What does Azithromycin cure?
Azithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections, including; pneumonia, bronchitis, and sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia. It will also effectively treat infections of the ears, lungs, skin, sinuses, and throat. Azithromycin belongs to a class of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics, like azithromycin, have no effect on viruses, so this medicine should not be used to treat colds, flu, or other types of viral infection.
Cloud Pharmacy can only prescribe azithromycin to treat chlamydia.
What happens if Chlamydia is left untreated?
It is a bad idea to leave Chlamydia untreated as it can cause serious health complications for those that are infected. In women, they can develop pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. If left untreated in men, chlamydia can cause persistent cystitis (UTI) and pain or inflammation in the testicles.
If this sexually transmitted disease is not treated properly then the carrier risks passing the infection to other people.
AUTHORED BY
Ibrahim co-founded Cloud Pharmacy, stemming from a desire to revolutionise healthcare accessibility in the UK. This vision was conceptualised in 2013 to provide patient-centred care across the country.
REVIEWED BY
Nazmul brings over 11 years of experience to his role as Superintendent Pharmacist & Director. A University of Strathclyde alumnus, he has a strong background in pharmacy, previously working as a pharmacist at Boots before co-founding Cloud Pharmacy with Ibrahim.
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