Azithromycin

Azithromycin is one of the most common medications prescribed to treat the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, also known as chlamydia.  In trials, this particular medication was found to be safe and effective in nearly 98% of patients, making it a popular choice with doctors when looking to treat the infection and it is available with a prescription from Click Pharmacy.

Chlamydia is very easy to transmit through any form of unprotected sexual contact with a carrier; as such it is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK, with Public Health England declaring it as accounting for almost half of all STI diagnoses each year. Depending on where the infection initially enters the body, the bacteria will invade the mucosal tissues of areas including the vagina, cervix, urethra and rectum, as well as the throat in the case of oral sex.

The medication is from a family of drugs known as macrolides.  They are designed to destroy the infection-causing bacteria which invades the mucosal surface of the areas it comes into contact with, such as the vagina.

Usually delivered via a 7-day course of treatment, Azithromycin has shown that, when taken correctly and as directed, is it a highly effective choice for men and women suffering from uncomplicated chlamydial genital infection when compared with other medications.

The active ingredient is azithromycin at the required dose. 

• The inactive ingredient are:
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Pregelatinised maize starch
• Sodium starch glycolate Type A
• Colloidal anhydrous silica
• Sodium laurilsulfate
• Magnesium stearate

The tablets contain 0.36 mg of soya lecithin.  As such, if you have a soy allergy, please make your doctor aware of this. 

Bacteria such as chlamydia trachomatis requires certain proteins in order to grow and multiply.  Without them, they cannot replicate, and as such, they will decrease in numbers.  Once this growth process is halted through the use of antibiotics such as Azithromycin, the bacteria will stop developing, and the body’s immune system will clear the remainder.

Azithromycin is usually prescribed for use in patients for between 1 and 10 days, depending on the reason for the course of treatment. The dosage will also vary.  As such, your doctor will be able to discuss the length of your treatment time. 

Azithromycin can be purchased online once you have completed a quick medical questionnaire, the answers to which will be assessed by one of our doctors, who will ensure that this medication is safe and appropriate.

Once you have a prescription, you can order your medication online without filling in the health questions again, though you are welcome to book a free online appointment with a Click Pharmacy doctor to discuss your health at any time.

The active ingredient can pass into breast milk, so it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As with any medication, one drug can interact negatively with another; therefore, it is important you let your doctor know if you are taking anything else.  Ensure you mention any other prescriptions you may have, as well as regular use of vitamins and/or complementary treatments during your consultation

Azithromycin has a similar antibacterial spectrum to penicillin, therefore, for those who are penicillin-allergic, Azithromycin is an excellent alternative option. Azithromycin has a long tissue ‘half-life, meaning it continues working within the body, attacking the infection for a longer period of time than other medications. As such, it usually only requires a single daily dose which, for people who struggle to take tablets or remember to take medication at the same time each day, can help to make their treatment easier to stick to and see the full benefits of.   

Alarmingly, the chlamydia bacteria is the leading cause of preventable blindness, as well as other long and short-term health issues, including genetic damage to sperm resulting in infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which affects the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes. As such, ensuring you take a medication such as Azithromycin, which is proven to cure this silent infection, is crucial to your health. 

This is a prescription-only medication meaning it cannot be bought over the counter without a doctor’s recommendation. You can book an appointment with a Click Pharmacy doctor to discuss your symptoms or test results, and they will be able to advise you on how to take Azithromycin. 

You should always follow your doctor’s advise before proceeding with a course of treatment, but generally, the tablet will be taken once a day, swallowed down with water and with or without a meal. If you find that you suffer from nausea after taking medication, you may find this is eased by taking the tablet with food.

If you and your partner both have the infection, it is crucial you both take the treatment.

There is a possibility of side effects inherent in the use of any medication. Common side effects of Azithromycin include:

• gastrointestinal issues

• headaches

• nausea/vomiting

If you experience any of these side effects, then feel free to contact your doctor at Click Pharmacy to discuss your options. If they persist or worsen, or you find you experience an allergic reaction such as swelling of the tongue or face, then stop taking the tablets and seek medical help right away. 

There are also certain health conditions which can be negatively affected by the use of Azithromycin. These can include but are not limited to:

• kidney problems

• heart failure

• low potassium/magnesium levels in the blood

• hepatic disease

• liver issues

• certain cardiovascular concerns, including cardiac arrhythmia

No. Since Azithromycin is a prescription-based medicine only, it is not possible for one to purchase the medication in the UK over the counter. You need a prescription. However, you may be able to find Azithromycin over the counter in other countries. Note that medicine bought without a prescription is highly likely to be counterfeit, which can cause severe health complications.

The exact dosage of Azithromycin may vary depending on the condition of the individual. However, in most cases, if you are using Azithromycin to treat diarrhoea, then you should take 500 mg every single day for about 3 days. Similarly, you can also take 2 doses of 250 mg of Azithromycin every day for 3 days, too.

It is crucial to start the treatment as soon as you get diarrhoea. You should not use it before you get diarrhoea, as it is not a preventative treatment.

Yes. Azithromycin is primarily used for the management of symptoms of diarrhoea. Azithromycin is known as an antidiarrhoeal loperamide, as it can help reduce symptoms, as well. While using the treatment, it is crucial to get plenty of rest. In addition to this, drink plenty of fluids as hydration will help you manage the symptoms of diarrhoea. You should also continue to eat simple foods, for instance, rice and dried bread – or foods that are appetite-permitting.

Lastly, pay attention to personal hygiene as it can help prevent the spread of diarrhoea.

While Azithromycin is generally considered to be a safe medicine to take for most individuals, there are a few groups who should avoid the use of this particular medicine. Do not take Azithromycin if: 

• You are allergic to Azithromycin or Macrolide antibiotics
• You have or are experiencing an electrolyte disturbance
• You have Myasthenia Gravis
• You have or have had severe liver or kidney problems
• You have or have had severe heart problems
• You have history of any heart issues that are associated with abnormal heart rhythm