Azithromycin Tablets (Azithromycin) are an important member of macrolide antibiotics and play a key role in the treatment of respiratory tract, skin, and sexually transmitted infections. As a highly effective antibacterial drug, its potential side effects and risks also deserve great attention.

What Are the Side Effects of Azithromycin Tablets (Azithromycin)?

Gastrointestinal Reactions

Diarrhea: The incidence rate ranges from 4% to 14%.

Nausea: The incidence rate ranges from 3% to 18%.

Abdominal pain: The incidence rate ranges from 3% to 7%.

Vomiting: The incidence rate ranges from 2% to 7%.

Adverse Reactions in Other Systems

Rash: May occur in 1% of patients.

Headache, dizziness: The incidence rate is 1%.

Vaginitis: The incidence rate is approximately 1% in the single 1-gram dose regimen.

Severe Side Effects of Azithromycin Tablets (Azithromycin) That Require High Alert

Allergic Reactions

Severe allergic reactions may occur, including angioedema, anaphylactic shock, and skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Although symptomatic treatment is initially successful, some patients may experience a recurrence of allergic symptoms shortly after discontinuing symptomatic treatment, requiring an extended observation period and continued symptomatic treatment.

Hepatotoxicity

Severe liver function abnormalities may occur, including hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, hepatic necrosis, and liver failure, which may even lead to death.

If signs and symptoms of hepatitis appear, azithromycin should be discontinued immediately.

Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS)

Cases of IHPS have been reported in neonates after the use of azithromycin.

If an infant experiences vomiting or irritability during feeding, parents and caregivers should be instructed to contact a doctor.

Precautions for Administration of Azithromycin Tablets (Azithromycin)

Contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolide, or ketolide drugs.

Contraindicated in patients with a history of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with previous use of azithromycin.

Medication in Special Populations

Patients with renal insufficiency: The dosage should be adjusted according to the degree of renal impairment.

Patients with hepatic insufficiency: Azithromycin should be used with caution, as sufficient pharmacokinetic data are lacking.

Drug Interactions

Nelfinavir: Known adverse reactions of azithromycin need to be closely monitored.

Warfarin: Concurrent use may increase clotting time; prothrombin time should be monitored.