Overview
Are you facing Vaginal Discharge or Burning of Urine Lately? If yes, It might be the best time to get yourself checked by your healthcare provider for infection of chlamydia. It is an infection caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis, a sexually transmitted disease that comes with a set of discomforting symptoms. Chlamydia infection is treated by Azithromycin as it is the first choice of drug for the treatment with the dose of 1 gram (1000mg) / day for 6-7 days as per your requirements regardless of weight variation in adults.
Azithromycin for chlamydia is available in 2 doses, 250 mg (should be taken 4 tablets at once) and 500mg (should be taken 2 tablets at once) with or without food which makes 1 gram altogether.
Meal consumption with azithromycin does not affect the absorption of the tablet.
Any or all bacterial infections are treated by the first, second and rarely third choice of drug according to the duration and severity of the infection.
Azithromycin for Chlamydia: Does it work?
Azithromycin is one of the antibiotics from the class of Antibiotics called “Macrolides”. It works by stopping the Protein synthesis of these bacteria and inhibits the further growth and multiplication of the bacteria. It is the FDA-approved DOC (Drug of choice) for Chlamydia having 97% efficacy by a single dose (1 gram) of Azithromycin.
Dosage of azithromycin for chlamydia
- Azithromycin antibiotic is 97% effective for chlamydia that impacts men and women differently with a diverse set of symptoms. Different doses impact different sites of infections.
- It is available in 2 doses, 250 mg (should be taken 4 tablets at once) and 500mg (should be taken 2 tablets at once) with or without food which makes 1 gram altogether.
- Chlamydia infection is treated by Azithromycin as it is the first choice of drug for the treatment with the recommended dose of 1 gram (1000mg) / day for 6-7 days.
- The dose is the same for adults and children over the age of twelve or weighing at least 45-50 kg. The dose is also the same for people with HIV and those without HIV.
Who Can Take Azithromycin?
As mentioned previously, azithromycin for chlamydia can be taken with age relaxation from 12 years to onwards in adults. Adults who are sexually active or involved in vaginal intercourse without using protection are more prone to these infections with little to no symptoms at the start.
All antibiotics including Azithromycin should never be taken nor dispensed without a prescription to avoid antibiotic resistance and it’s way safer to use azithromycin for the duration till it’s prescribed/recommended.
How to take azithromycin or Z-pack for chlamydia?
Previously the treatment plan for Chlamydia was 1000mg (1g) for one day, a one-time course, but with time the course of treatment changed from just one day to 3 days. Now the starting loading dose of 1000mg is followed by 500mg on the second day and 250mg on the third day. It’s always best to see your Medical Provider for proper consultation and Prescription according to the prevalence of the infection in your body.
Azithromycin vs Doxycycline for Chlamydia
All the studies that were conducted concluded that both are antibiotics and work by stopping the further growth of bacteria and spreading. Both are effective against different sites of bacterial chlamydia, the only difference is Azithromycin (z pack) is more effective against Urogenital Chlamydia( urinary and genital tract) and Doxycycline is more effective against Oropharyngeal chlamydia.
Azithromycin is typically preferred over doxycycline during pregnancy. Azithromycin is classified as a Category B medication, which means it is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. On the other hand, doxycycline is classified as a Category D medication and may pose risks to the developing fetus. Just like in Pregnancy, azithromycin is safer for breastfeeding mothers due to its shorter half-life and less accumulation in breast milk.
Azithromycin (z pack) is typically preferred in cases where compliance may be an issue for the patient due to its shorter treatment duration. Doxycycline requires a longer treatment course (usually 7 days).
It’s always better and safer to get the prescription from the healthcare provider according to the severity and type of bacterial Chlamydia Infection to avoid Antibiotic resistance and maximize efficacy.
Side Effects of Azithromycin for Chlamydia
Common side effects of Azithromycin are as follows :
- Upset stomach/ Stomach Cramps.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache/dizziness
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Joint pain/ lethargy
- Diarrhea with increased Gastrointestinal motility
- Vaginal Yeast infections
- Thrush ( Fungal infection)
Consult a Doctor
It’s common to talk of the town to never get antibiotic resistance which can happen only if you see your healthcare provider and show compliance with the prescribed medication.
You can get easy consultations with our healthcare providers providing online services at the ease of your home.
FAQs About Azithromyin for Chlamydia
One of the reasons you would not be able to take azithromycin is Antibiotic resistance and allergy. Resistance will occur if you haven’t completed the previous azithromycin course for any other bacterial infection that is mentioned in your medication history.
It can take from 3 days to one week depending on the severity of your infection. Some people experienced complete effectiveness by using azithromycin one day and some showed sure after 3 days.
If left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women leading to infertility. It is also the cause of infertility as well as ED (Erectile dysfunction) in men if left untreated.
Azithromycin should be taken 1 gram (1000mg) single dose/day for 1 day or according to prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Yes, You can. Only if you want to make sure. Mostly the prescribed amount/dose if taken correctly can cure chlamydia completely and you will feel the absence of the symptoms.
