Azithromycin – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com
Friday, August 17, 2018 by Zoey Sky
http://www.naturalpedia.com/azithromycin-uses-health-risks-and-side-effects-at-naturalpedia-com.html
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat different kinds of bacterial infections.
The drug is given to patients infected by bacteria that cause ear, respiratory, or skin infections. Azithromycin is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases.
Azithromycin’s brand names include Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax, Zithromax TRI-PAK, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zmax, and Zithromax IV.
Known health risks or side effects of azithromycin
Azithromycin may cause common side effects such as diarrhea, gas, loose stools, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.
You may require immediate medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:
- Chest pain
- Fluid build-up between the lungs and the chest wall – Can include symptoms like chest pain or heaviness, or difficulty breathing.
- Inflammation of the colon – Can include symptoms like abdominal pain, fatigue, and severe diarrhea.
- Low white blood cell count – This side effect is often discovered in blood tests. However, if you have symptoms, they may include infections that do not go away, shortness of breath, tiredness, or weakness.
- Seizures
- Swelling of the feet or ankles
List of organs that might be affected by azithromycin
An overdose of azithromycin may cause complications like an irregular heart rhythm and liver damage. If you think you’ve taken too much of the drug, call a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to azithromycin
The following foods or nutrients have similar effects to azithromycin:
- Echinacea – Echinacea can help treat infections and wounds. It can also help prevent inflammation linked to bacterial infection.
- Garlic – Garlic has preventive and curative properties, and it can help treat infections caused by different kinds of bacteria like Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Ginger – A natural antibiotic, ginger can help fight various strains of bacteria.
- Goldenseal – Often consumed as a tea or via capsules, goldenseal can help treat digestive and respiratory problems. The herb can also treat bacterial diarrhea and urinary tract infections. While goldenseal also has berberine, a crucial component of natural antibiotics, it isn’t safe for infants, or women who are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- Honey – Honey can be used as an ointment that helps heal wounds. It can also draw out, heal, or prevent infection. Additionally, honey is used to treat bedsores, burns, chronic wounds, skin grafts, and ulcers. Aside from its antibacterial properties, honey can help wounds heal by providing a protective coating.
Treatment and management options for the side effects of azithromycin
The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with azithromycin (e.g., nausea, vomiting):
Drinking clove, fennel, or ginger tea
Cloves can ease nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness. Additionally, cloves have eugenol, a compound that may have antibacterial abilities. To make clove tea, add about a teaspoon of cloves to a cup of boiling water. Steep for ten minutes, then strain before drinking.
Fennel seeds can help calm the digestive tract. Sip a cup of fennel tea if you feel nauseated. To make fennel tea, add about a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain before drinking.
A cup of warm ginger tea can help ease nausea and vomiting among pregnant women and patients undergoing therapy. Make ginger tea by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to a cup of boiling water. Steep the mixture for 10 minutes, then strain before drinking. You can also slowly eat a small piece of fresh ginger or candied ginger.
Staying hydrated
If you’re vomiting a lot, you must drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you have an upset stomach, drink fluids slowly, so you don’t end up vomiting. Fluids that can help you stay hydrated and ease nausea include ginger ale, lemonade, mint tea, and water. If you can’t drink liquids, suck on ice chips to keep yourself hydrated.
Where to learn more
Summary
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat different kinds of bacterial infections.
Azithromycin may cause common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.
An overdose of azithromycin may cause complications like an irregular heart rhythm and liver damage.
Echinacea, garlic, ginger, goldenseal, and honey have similar effects to azithromycin.
Drinking clove, fennel, or ginger tea and staying hydrated can help prevent the side effects associated with azithromycin (e.g., nausea, vomiting).
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