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What are the side effects of Azithromycin?

Mar 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, azithromycin is available in various dosage forms including capsules, granules, and tablets. Possible side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, altered taste, dizziness, headache, skin rash with itching, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and others. Before using azithromycin, patients should carefully read the medication's package insert to understand its proper usage and precautions. Additionally, the medication should be used appropriately under a doctor's guidance to avoid self-adjusting the dosage.

Generally, azithromycin is available in various dosage forms such as capsules, granules, and tablets. Its potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, taste disturbances, dizziness and headache, skin rash and itching, arrhythmia, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Azithromycin may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, affect normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, and potentially alter the balance of normal intestinal flora, thereby causing discomfort. This is a relatively common side effect of azithromycin, and patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

2. Taste Disturbances

The medication may affect the function of taste receptors and interfere with the transmission of taste signals, leading to altered taste perception. Patients may perceive changes in the taste of food, such as bitterness, sourness, or loss of original flavor, which may affect appetite, but usually resolves gradually after discontinuation of the drug.

3. Dizziness and Headache

Azithromycin may affect the blood circulation or neurotransmitter balance of the nervous system, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply or abnormal nerve function, thereby causing dizziness and headache. These symptoms are generally mild but may affect daily activities and work efficiency.

4. Skin Rash and Itching

Some patients may be allergic to azithromycin. The immune system identifies the drug as a foreign antigen, triggering an immune response, producing antibodies that bind to the antigen, activating inflammatory cells, and releasing inflammatory mediators, leading to allergic skin reactions. Red papular rashes may appear on the skin, accompanied by itching, commonly occurring on the trunk and limbs.

5. Arrhythmia

Azithromycin may affect the electrophysiological activity of the heart, interfere with ion channels in myocardial cells, and cause abnormal depolarization and repolarization processes in myocardial cells, thereby inducing arrhythmia. Patients may experience abnormal heartbeat, such as tachycardia, bradycardia, or irregular heartbeat, often accompanied by palpitations, chest tightness, dizziness, and other symptoms.

Before using azithromycin, patients should read the drug instructions carefully to understand the method of use and precautions. Additionally, the medication should be used appropriately under the guidance of a physician, avoiding self-adjustment of dosage or prolongation of treatment duration.

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