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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Azithromycin For Lung Infection Cause Bloating And Constipation?

I have COPD and take 500 mgs of azithromicin daily and have for over a year .Without it I shortly have a severe infection in my lungs. At least that was the pattern for about a year and half and 15 trips back to the hospital. Now Im breathing well,feeling quite well but afraid to quit the antibiotics. I can only assume they are the cause of my severe belly bloating and lately constipation as well. What should I do?
Tue, 3 Oct 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, azithromycin can cause gastric side effects like bloating, gastritis, constipation etc.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that should be taken for limited duration, not for 1 year.
So better to stop azithromycin now.
Take adult pulmonary vaccines like influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent recurrent respiratory infections.
Take pantoprazole and levosulperide combination on empty stomach twice daily for bloating and constipation.
Don't worry, you will be alright after stopping azithromycin.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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Can Azithromycin For Lung Infection Cause Bloating And Constipation?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, azithromycin can cause gastric side effects like bloating, gastritis, constipation etc. Azithromycin is an antibiotic that should be taken for limited duration, not for 1 year. So better to stop azithromycin now. Take adult pulmonary vaccines like influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to prevent recurrent respiratory infections. Take pantoprazole and levosulperide combination on empty stomach twice daily for bloating and constipation. Don t worry, you will be alright after stopping azithromycin. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.