Can Azithromycin cause allergic reactions?

Question

Hello doctor,

I started Z-Pak two days ago. I took 500 mg on the first day and 250 mg the next day. I was prescribed this for an infected cut that was getting worse on my foot. My lymph nodes were already swollen in my groin before receiving treatment. After the second day of antibiotics, I felt unwell, had chills, and was tingling or mildly burning in different areas of my body, face, and back. My elbow is swollen now like a tennis elbow. The physician who prescribed Z-Pak said it is probably an infection from cat scratch disease.

Should I continue taking the next dose? Or is this dangerous? My temperature is also going between 96.8 and 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit. I have thyroid problems and rheumatoid arthritis.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

There can be three reasons for your symptoms:

1. Allergic reaction: It is rare, but Azithromycin (Z-pak) can cause tingling, burning sensations, or swelling.

2. The symptoms are getting worse day by day, and it may indicate the infection is not responding adequately to the medicine. Cat scratch disease often improves with Azithromycin, but severe cases might require additional or different antibiotics.

As you mentioned, you have a thyroid problem, which can affect temperature regulation and immune response. You also have rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause inflammation in response to infection or medications. The swollen elbow may be due to infection or inflammation.

Do not stop taking medicine abruptly, as it can make everything worse. Contact your initial doctor and share your symptoms with the doctor, and he or she can suggest a different antibiotic and some blood and imaging tests for further evaluation.

If you start having a rash, breathing difficulty, or fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or if your symptoms keep on getting worse, immediately visit the nearby hospital. Keep yourself hydrated and get plenty of rest.

For your swollen elbow, give cold compression and keep it elevated above heart level. For the chills, stay warm and hydrated.

For a tingling sensation, lightly massaging unaffected areas can help improve circulation and reduce tingling. Check your fever every four hours, and if it exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, immediately seek medical help. Use a cool damp cloth on your forehead or neck. You can use Paracetamol thrice a day after meal to control pain and fever. Keep the infected cut clean and apply Betadine ointment on it.

In your current medical details, I cannot see any medicine for thyroid issues or RA. Untreated thyroid issues decrease immunity and RA increases the chance of inflammation. Visit an endocrinologist and rheumatologist for your issues.

I hope you find this helpful.

Thank you.