Azithromycin 500 mg is an antibiotic used for treating many types of bacterial infections of the ear, eyes, nose, and throat. It also treats respiratory tract, lungs, and skin bacterial infections. Children and adults can use it. Azithromycin 500 mg  is effective in typhoid fever and a few STDs such as gonorrhea.

You must take it orally usually an hour before or two hours after having your meal. One should use it on a regular basis at evenly spaced time intervals as told by your doctor. You should not skip any dosages and finish the treatment’s full course even if feel better. Quitting this drug too early may cause the infection to return or become worse.

Azithromycin 500 mg effective drug?

Working mechanism: It is an antibiotic. This drug works and prevents the synthesis of essential proteins needed by bacteria for carrying out important functions. So it stops the bacteria to grow and prevents the infection to spread.

Treat bacterial infections: Azithromycin 500 mg treats many types of bacterial infections. These are blood, lungs, brain, and lung infections. Other than these, it treats bones, joints, intestines, stomach, and urinary tract infections. You can use it to treat STDs. This drug will cause the growth of the bacteria that causes the infection and clears it. You must use it for as long as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any dosage. This drug will make sure that every bacteria get killed. Thus they do not become resistant. 

Use of Azithromycin 500 mg: Take it in the dosage and duration as told by your doctor. You must swallow the whole tablet. You should not break it. Avoid chewing or crushing it. You may take it with or without any meal. But to get the best result take it at a fixed time daily.

Is it safe to use Azithromycin 500 mg?

Side effects: A lot of its side effects do not need any doctor’s help. They fade away as the body gets adjusted to this drug. Contact your doctor if they last or if you become worried about them. Commonly seen side effects of Azithromycin 500mg are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. They are temporary and disappear with the completion of your treatment. Talk with your doctor if you find these side effects persisting for a long time or making you worried.

Stay cautious: Your doctor must be aware of your previous history of heart issues or allergies before you take this drug. If you are a pregnant or lactating women you must tell your doctor before taking it. If you are allergic to this drug or any other antibiotics or you have any other allergies do not use it. Azithromycin 500 mg contains the inactive ingredient. They can cause allergic reactions or other issues. If you have liver or kidney disease or any muscle disease, inform your doctor.

Interaction: Interaction with other drugs may change how Azithromycin 500 mg works or increase your risk for severe side effects. Be aware of all the products you take including prescription or non-prescription drugs and herbal products. Let your doctor know about it. You should not begin, quit or change the dosage of any drug without asking your doctor.

Tips while using Azithromycin 500 mg

Follow all instructions: You should not skip any dosage. You must finish the full course of Azithromycin 500 mg even if you feel good. Quitting it early may make your infection return. You will see that it is harder to treat the infection.

Dosage of Azithromycin 500 mg: You must take it an hour before having your food. If you already took your meal, take it after two hours. You should not take any antacid two hours before or after using this drug.

Be alert: Diarrhea may take place as a side effect. But it will stop when your course is complete. Tell your doctor if it does not stop or if you find any blood in your stools. You must stop using it and tell your doctor if you suffer from any itchy rash, swollen face, tongue, throat, or breathing challenges while using it.

Frequently asked questions

Is this drug a strong antibiotic?

Yes. Azithromycin 500 mg is an effective antibiotic. It treats a lot of bacterial infections. In comparison to other antibiotics, it has a longer half-life. It means that this drug stays in your body for a long time due to which it is given one time daily and for a short period. Comparatively other antibiotics have a shorter half-life and are given two, three, or four times daily.

My doctor prescribed me Azithromycin 500 mg. It is for three days. Why?

The treatment’s duration depends on the type of infection being treated along with your age. This drug is not necessarily given for three days. In most bacterial infections, one 500mg dosage is given for three days. Alternatively, a 500mg dosage can be given once on 1st day and then 250mg once from 2nd to 5th day. In a few cases of infection like genital ulcer disease, your doctor will give it as a single one-gram dosage. Thus you must follow the routine of Azithromycin 500mg told by your doctor.

If I use it how long will it take to work?

It begins working within a few hours of using it. You may see an improvement in symptoms after some days. You should not stop using it without completing the course told by your doctor. Quitting Azithromycin 500 mg without consulting your doctor may cause your infection to return.

I am using it, but I am not getting better. What should I do?

You must tell your doctor if you see any improvement in your symptoms after taking it for three days. If your symptoms get worse, immediately let your doctor know.

Can I take Azithromycin 500 mg at night?

Your doctor will prescribe it one time every day. You can take whenever you want during the day time. But keep in mind that you use it at the same time every day. You must take Azithromycin 500 mg an hour before taking your meal. If your doctor mention taking it two hours after having your food. If prescribed use its tablet preparation with your meal or without it. But always take it as told by your doctor. Do not change it. If you have any doubts get them cleared.

Can it cause diarrhea?

Yes. Using it can cause diarrhea. Azithromycin 500 mg is an antibiotic. It kills harmful bacteria. It affects the helpful bacteria in your intestine and stomach. Thus it causes diarrhea. Get medical help if you experience severe diarrhea after using it.

I am taking Azithromycin 500 mg. What should I avoid?

Usually, your doctor will suggest that if you take it you must avoid using any antacid with it. It is because this may impact the overall effectiveness of this drug. It is recommended to avoid any exposure to sunlight or tanning beds as it increases sunburn risk.

I am using this drug. Can I get a yeast infection?

A few people may have yeast or fungal infection called thrush after using this drug. Antibiotics like Azithromycin 500mg can kill the good or normal bacteria of your intestine responsible to prevent thrush. You must inform your doctor if you have vaginal or sore itching or discharge. Inform him if you get a white patch on your tongue or mouth after using it or soon after you stop it.