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Taking Azithromycin for Ear Infection: A User’s Guide

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Do you ever wonder why some people get recurring ear infections? If you’re one of those people, it can be frustrating since they’re painful and can potentially damage hearing.

However, did you know this common condition is often misdiagnosed or overdiagnosed? The good news is artificial intelligence may be the answer to identifying and classifying ear diseases with accuracy. If it works, it can help prevent hearing loss and improve speech and language development for kids. 

Now, if you’re currently battling an infection, you may be asking, “Does azithromycin for ear infection work?” Here’s what you need to know.  

Ear Infection Treatment: Antibiotics, Pain Meds, and More

You consult a doctor, describing symptoms of an ear infection. You know you’re likely to be given antibiotics, but which ones? Aside from antibiotics, what other drugs will you need to take?

The antibiotics given to kids with ear infections are often the same ones given to adults. For those with Otitis Media, the first choice antibiotic is amoxicillin. Otitis media means an infection of the middle ear space. 

Amoxicillin is an oral drug that must be taken two to three times daily for five to ten days. Doctors will also prescribe cefdinir or cefpodoxime if you have a penicillin allergy. Another option is azithromycin.

As for other medicines, pain relievers, decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroids may also be given as part of ear infection treatment.

Azithromycin for Ear Infection: How Effective Is It? 

Azithromycin belongs to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. As an antibacterial, it stops the growth of bacteria. Besides ear infections, azithromycin is also effective against bronchitis, pneumonia, skin infections, throat infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and more. 

For ear infections, some patients report experiencing relief in around two to three days. If a fever accompanies your condition, you may find it subsides within a day or two after starting the ten-day treatment. Ear pain and discomfort usually go away by day two, while most symptoms should be gone by day three or four if your body responds well to azithromycin.  

Of course, just because you already feel better doesn’t mean you should stop taking this antibiotic. Complete the course to prevent antibiotic resistance. Also, if you order azithromycin online and somehow end up with extras, do not take them for colds, flu, or viral infections, as they won’t work against viruses.

Some Notes for Taking Azithromycin

Azithromycin dosage depends on your age, the severity of your ear infections, and other medical conditions you have. Your doctor will switch you to another antibiotic if you react negatively to the first dose. 

Note that azithromycin is available as oral tablets and suspension. If this is your first time taking this antibiotic, know that it may cause QT prolongation, which may increase your risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac arrest. 

It’s also worth remembering that all antibiotics can cause gastrointestinal issues. If you experience mild to severe diarrhea, inform your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you have liver disease or myasthenia gravis, as azithromycin can worsen these conditions.

If you miss a dose, don’t take two doses at once. Doing so may cause an overdose. If you suspect you’ve taken too much azithromycin, call your local poison control center or head to the nearest emergency room immediately. 

Azithromycin Side Effects and Interactions

The most common side effects reported by patients when taking azithromycin include diarrhea, headache, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. If these effects are mild, there’s no need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can expect them to go away within a few days.

However, if they’re severe and persistent, get immediate medical help. The same applies to serious side effects, which include allergic reactions, dark urine, gasping while sleeping, etc. 

With regards to interactions, know that azithromycin can cause liver or hearing problems when taken with Nelfinavir. It can also increase bleeding risk when taken with blood thinners, such as warfarin. 

One more thing: pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t take azithromycin. While there are no studies that show it can cause congenital disabilities, other antibiotics may be “safer” if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Azithromycin may also pass into breast milk, so be sure to inform your doctor that you are lactating before taking this drug.

Buying Azithromycin Online

You’ll need a doctor’s prescription if you’re hoping to purchase azithromycin through an online pharmacy.

Now, you can get your prescription from your primary physician or an online doctor. Once you have it, it’s time to choose a reputable online pharmacy like Kiwi Drug.

Tip: If an online drug store doesn’t require a prescription, that’s a red flag. The lack of online reviews is also a sign you should look for a different pharmacy. You want an establishment that not only offers excellent service and customer support but also provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every product. 

It’s also a good idea to compare azithromycin pricing. Even ordering overseas may be the better deal and help you cut on azithromycin costs. Yes, even with shipping, some medicines are cheaper when you get them from a trustworthy pharmacy. 

More on Online Pharmacies

Medicines, especially antibiotics, are not regular consumer products. Fake drugs will harm your health and cause unpleasant side effects.

That’s one of the reasons reputable outlets ask for a prescription. They want to be sure you didn’t self-diagnose and that a healthcare professional has checked that the medicine they prescribed is suitable for you. 

If you come across an email offering cheap medicine that doesn’t require a prescription, it’s a scam. There are honest internet pharmacies that genuinely want to help patients. Kiwi Drug, for example, will never sell counterfeit, substandard, or unapproved new medicines. 

Ear Infections, Begone!

Did your doctor prescribe azithromycin for ear infection? Remember to take it as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

To save on costs and avoid the hassle of researching online pharmacies, let Kiwi Drug handle your prescription. As a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand, with over 40 years of experience, we only carry quality and safe medications. 

Check out our products or consult our online doctor today if you need a prescription for azithromycin.