Does azithromycin cause diarrhea?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic medication doctors prescribe to treat different types of infections caused by bacteria. These include certain ear, nose, and throat infections, skin infections, and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Azithromycin is a generic drug, and the brand-name version is Zithromax.

Azithromycin is available in several forms, including:

• an oral tablet
• a liquid that you swallow
• an intravenous (IV) solution given in a healthcare setting

Azithromycin may cause certain side effects. The most commonly reported side effect is diarrhea. In the drug’s clinical trials, up to 5% of people taking azithromycin experienced diarrhea. Diarrhea from azithromycin is typically mild.

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How long does diarrhea from azithromycin last?

Like most of azithromycin’s side effects, diarrhea may be temporary or last a few days to weeks. How long diarrhea from azithromycin lasts will depend on the length of the treatment and the dosage.

However, if you have severe diarrhea lasting for 4 or more days, you should let your doctor know.

Note that azithromycin takes about 11 to 14 days to leave your system after you take your last dose. It is possible to get diarrhea for about 2 weeks after you’ve stopped taking azithromycin.

How fast can azithromycin cause diarrhea?

Diarrhea can occur as soon as you take your first dose of azithromycin. However, it can also happen a few days or up to 2 weeks after taking your first dose.

Azithromycin can also cause diarrhea due to Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection. With this infection, you may experience bloody, watery diarrhea that may occur with or without abdominal cramps and fever. This can happen up to 2 months after your last dose of azithromycin. If you experience any of these symptoms, let your doctor know right away.

How to reduce side effects from azithromycin

To reduce the risk of side effects with azithromycin, it is important to follow the dosage instructions your doctor has given you. It’s also important to tell your doctor about any medications you take or health conditions you have before you start azithromycin treatment. This will help your doctor determine whether this drug is the right treatment option for your condition.

To help reduce the risk of diarrhea, your doctor may recommend eating yogurt or consuming another form of probiotics during your treatment with azithromycin.

You may be able to manage diarrhea with small changes in your diet, such as avoiding spicy or high fiber foods. Over-the-counter products such as loperamide (Imodium) may also help.

It’s important to stay hydrated if you have diarrhea. Drinking clear liquids helps replace fluids lost from diarrhea.

For people taking higher doses of azithromycin for longer, reducing their dose or switching to twice-daily dosing may help reduce side effects.

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Summary

Diarrhea is a common side effect of azithromycin. It can occur anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks after taking your first dose. It is typically mild and goes away on its own or when you stop taking the drug. However, if it is severe or lasts longer than 4 days, you should let your doctor know.

Taking a probiotic and avoiding certain foods while taking azithromycin can help reduce your risk of diarrhea.