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Antibiotics - Reaction to Azithromycin?

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Posted 1/13/2016 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone had a bad reaction/flare due to azithromycin - aka "Z Pack"?

I had an upper respiratory infection since about a week before Christmas. I finally went to the doctor the day before New Year's Eve and he gave me at 10-day course of amoxicillin, which I can usually tolerate pretty well.

My symptoms unfortunately did not really improve, and I developed a loose cough which I was concerned could develop into bronchitis. I went to local Med Express (walk-in clinic) on Monday, as I could not get an appointment until Wednesday. That doctor gave me the "Z Pack" - which I got as generic Azithromycin - 5 day antibiotic, with 2 pills taken the first day.

Monday, the first day, I took 2 pills, Tuesday, had some stomach issues, loose bowel movement, gurgling, etc.
Today (Wednesday) I had full blown diarrhea, cramping, nausea, etc.

I have no idea if this is related to my UC/IBS, but I have never taken this med before.
I did not take today's dose, because I am afraid it is going to get worse.

I did take my usual fiber pills on Monday and Tuesday, but also took my probiotics as well, not sure if I should have stopped the fiber?

Anyway, I am thinking I am going to call my primary dr. in the morning to see if they can call something else in, but I am afraid that they will make me come in and be seen.

Or should I take the dose of Azithromycin and just try to suffer through it?

Ugh... I just want to feel better from the cough/cold and don't need this on top of it! :(
Posted 1/14/2016 2:36 AM (GMT 0)
Antibiotics are famous for increasing GI symptoms, some worse than others. Keep with the probiotics-tho the anti''s kill em quick- but keep trying. Can you up your meds a bit to counteract the antibiotics? You probably do need to kill the bacteria and take the drugs. The consequences are similar to a flare and can actually create one( my opinion). Fight it with your UC meds, and keep up the probiotics. Your body should go into overdrive to ferret out the bad bugs if it is working properly.
After 13 hospitalizations, the opportunistic infections is what brought us to our knees and my daughter opted for surgery. I don't take infections lightly,they must be dealt with. Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 1/14/2016 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Azithromaycin can be very tough on people's GI tract. Even healthy ppl.
A healthy person I know got c. Diff from it.
Posted 1/14/2016 11:36 AM (GMT 0)
I am going to try to push through and keep taking the Z-pack. I have 3 more to go.
My stomach is settled now, but I am afraid to take the next pill - maybe it was the initial 2 together that threw me for a loop?
I'm going to try to eat something like a bagel for breakfast to see if having something in my stomach helps. I think I took the first 2 on a fairly empty stomach, and know I took the Tuesday pill on a fairly empty stomach.
Fingers crossed!!!
Posted 1/14/2016 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea. Every time I have had to take them since I was diagnosed I double up on probiotics and take them at least 1-2 hours before or after the antibiotics. You should go back to normal pretty quickly after you end the coarse of antibiotics
Posted 1/14/2016 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I have never had any problems with azithromycin....


But...since you can tolerate amoxicillin, ask for Clavulin. It's a beefed up amoxicillin. I didn't have any problems with that either, and it worked well for the infection around my larynx causing laryngitis.

Call now so that you're not off meds for too long.

What meds are you on for UC?

What probiotics?

Hope you feel better soon.

q
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