Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in America. Show
In fact, in 2018, four million infections occurred in the U.S. However, many cases may go unreported because people with chlamydia are often asymptomatic and therefore don’t know they have an infection. Because chlamydia can go undetected, regular testing is extremely important in both fighting the spread of the infection and in treating it. If you happen to test positive, the good news is, the vast majority of chlamydia cases can be cured easily with antibiotics such as azithromycin. In this article, I’ll explain if azithromycin (Zithromax) treats chlamydia, who can take this antibiotic, the best dosage to treat chlamydia, and how to take it. Then I’ll break down how azithromycin compares with another antibiotic, doxycycline, for treating chlamydia. Finally, I’ll share everything you need to know about being tested for chlamydia. Does Azithromycin Work for Chlamydia?Azithromycin works to treat genital chlamydia in both men and women by stopping the bacteria from multiplying. Studies suggest that a one-gram dosage has 97% efficacy. That means that for every 100 people who take azithromycin to treat chlamydia, 97 will be cured and three will not be cured. In order to effectively treat chlamydial infections, azithromycin should be taken as prescribed and until the dosage is completed. Ending the medication early increases the chance that the bacteria will not be completely killed off. Who Can Take Azithromycin?Adults and adolescents of 10-19 years of age can take azithromycin to treat genital chlamydia. However, if you are allergic to azithromycin, pregnant, or breastfeeding, your doctor may prescribe different antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or erythromycin. What Dosage Treats Chlamydia?For people with uncomplicated genital chlamydia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a single dose of azithromycin (1 gram) taken orally to cure the infection. Azithromycin comes in three forms:
For both powder formulas, either you or a pharmacist mix it with liquid to take. Taking AzithromycinAlways follow the directions from your doctor or pharmacist for taking azithromycin. Azithromycin is taken as a single dose, one time. It should be taken as soon as you receive the prescription. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food, however, the extended-release form is typically taken on an empty stomach. If you take the liquid (suspension) form, shake it well before using and use a dosing spoon to measure an accurate dose. If you are prescribed the powder, mix it with water according to directions. How long does it take?It takes about one week for azithromycin to completely cure a chlamydial infection, and in some cases it can take up to two weeks for the infection to clear. If you are sexually active during this time, you can pass the infection to your partner(s), even if you have no symptoms. For these reasons, you should avoid having sex of any kind (intercourse, oral, or anal sex) during treatment. Can you drink alcohol while taking it?While it’s never a good idea to mix any prescription medication with alcohol, there are no known interactions between azithromycin and alcohol. Moderate consumption of alcohol (one drink for women and two drinks for men per day) should not reduce the effectiveness of the drug or cause any unwanted side effects. Side effectsWhile few people experience any issues, most of the well-known side effects of azithromycin are not serious. These include:
A 2012 study found that azithromycin could increase the risk for cardiovascular death due to arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). This prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue an official safety announcement in 2013. You should not take azithromycin if any of the following are true:
While rare, an allergic reaction could also occur. If you experience any of the symptoms below while taking azithromycin, seek medical attention right away:
Azithromycin vs Doxycycline for ChlamydiaAzithromycin and doxycycline are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat chlamydia. While azithromycin is prescribed in a single, one-gram dose taken orally, doxycycline is typically prescribed in a 100-milligram (mg) dose taken orally twice a day for seven days. A 2014 meta analysis of 23 studies found that doxycycline had a slightly higher efficacy (up to 3% higher) compared with azithromycin. However, other research suggests that treatment with a single oral dose of azithromycin appears to be as safe and efficacious as a seven-day course of doxycycline for the treatment of uncomplicated genital chlamydial infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is best for you. Testing InformationWhether or not you were exposed to chlamydia or think you may have been, the CDC recommends annual screenings for:
Many different providers—including family planning centers, private doctors’ offices, sexual health clinics, hospital clinics, and health departments—typically provide testing for chlamydia and other STDs, so explore your options and pick what is most comfortable and convenient for you. The actual test is simple. The healthcare provider will perform one of the following:
You can expect results in about 2-5 days depending on the type of test and where it’s done. How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsCan you get chlamydia more than once? Yes, even after successful treatment, you can get chlamydia more than once. This happens either through sexual activity with an infected partner or if you do not take your prescribed medication properly, causing the infection to remain in your body. Can chlamydia go untreated? Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems with both short- and long-term consequences. These include swelling in the reproductive organs, fertility issues, and, in women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. How long does azithromycin stay in your system?The most common form of azithromycin is the 5-day Z-Pack. You take 2 tablets on day 1, 1 tablet on days 2-5, and then stop. Due to the long half-life of azithromycin, it keeps working to treat bacterial infections for another 5 days or so after your last dose, simply due to the fact that you’ve been taking it regularly for the last 5 days.
How long does it take for azithromycin to work for strep?Response and Effectiveness It takes between two and a half to just over three hours for peak concentrations of azithromycin to be reached. Can be dosed once daily. May take several days before symptoms of infection start to abate.
When should I take my azithromycin?If you are taking azithromycin capsules, take them at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating. If you have tablets or liquid, you can take them with or without food. The liquid can have a bitter aftertaste, so it can be a good idea to offer children a drink of fruit juice afterwards.
How long does it take for antibiotics to work?It is getting harder and more expensive to treat ailments due to misuse of antibiotics. It usually takes oral antibiotics 3-5 days for a patient to notice improvement. Sometimes faster but if by the 5th day there is no improvement, go back to your doctor.
How many hours does azithromycin work?Official answer. Azithromycin will be in your system for around 15.5 days, after the last dose. Azithromycin has an elimination half-life of 68 hours. The prolonged terminal half-life is thought to be due to extensive uptake and subsequent release of drug from tissues.
Is azithromycin a powerful antibiotic?Azithromycin is a popular antibiotic medication that treats a variety of health conditions. It works by stopping the growth of certain types of bacteria. It does not work against viruses. Also referred to as “Z-Paks,” Z-Paks are easy to use, generally affordable, and highly effective.
How long does it take 500mg of azithromycin to work?It takes approximately one week (seven days) for azithromycin to cure chlamydia. Do not have sex for seven days after taking your single dose of azithromycin, or you may infect your sexual partner with chlamydia.
Is azithromycin effective for 3 days?The usual dose is 500mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated. For some infections, you'll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g. The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.
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How long does it take for azithromycin to start working
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