Macrobac Side Effects

Macrobac is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Macrobac can cause both common and less common side effects, including:

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal Disturbances: The most common side effects of Macrobac involve the gastrointestinal system, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are typically mild and resolve on their own.
• Headache: Some people may experience mild to moderate headaches while taking Macrobac.
• Loss of Appetite: A decreased appetite is another common side effect that may occur.
• Abdominal Discomfort: This can include bloating, indigestion, and general discomfort in the abdominal area.

Less Common Side Effects

• Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may develop allergic reactions to Macrobac. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, or tongue), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
• Liver Problems: There have been reports of liver function abnormalities in some people taking Macrobac. This may manifest as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea or vomiting. It’s a less common side effect but should be reported to a healthcare provider.
• Cardiac Arrhythmias: There have been rare reports of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) associated with Macrobac use. This risk may be higher in individuals with a history of heart disease.
• Central Nervous System Effects: Although infrequent, Macrobac can cause neurological side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, and headache. Rarely, it may lead to more serious symptoms like confusion or seizures.
• Hearing Problems: There have been rare reports of hearing loss associated with Macrobac use. This side effect may be more common in individuals with pre-existing hearing impairments or those taking high doses of the Macrobac.
• Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea: Macrobac can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria and increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection, which causes severe diarrhea. This is a less common but potentially serious side effect.
• Skin Reactions: Rarely, Macrobac can lead to skin reactions like hives, blisters, or severe peeling or blistering of the skin.

Macrobac is one of the leading brands of Azithromycin, manufactured and marketed by Asian Continental (Pvt) Ltd Pakistan.

Prsently, Macrobac is available in Tablets, Capsules, and Suspension Forms

Macrobac Tablets : 500mg strength

Macrobac Capsules : 250mg, and 500mg strengths

Macrobac Suspension : 200mg/5ml strength

1. Antacids: Taking Macrobac with antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium can reduce the absorption of the antibiotic. To avoid this interaction, it’s recommended to take Macrobac at least 2 hours before or after antacids.
2. Warfarin: Macrobac may interact with warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring of blood clotting levels is essential when using both medications concurrently, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust the warfarin dosage.
3. Digoxin: Macrobac can increase the concentration of digoxin in the blood, potentially leading to toxic effects. It’s important to monitor digoxin levels closely when taking both medications, and your healthcare provider may need to adjust your digoxin dosage.
4. Other Macrolide Antibiotics: Combining Macrobac with other macrolide antibiotics, such as erythromycin, can increase the risk of adverse effects and should generally be avoided.
5. Cyclosporine: Macrobac can increase the levels of cyclosporine in the blood, which may lead to an increased risk of cyclosporine-related side effects. Monitoring and potential dose adjustments are necessary when using both medications.
6. Certain Antidepressants and Antipsychotic Medications: Macrobac can interact with specific antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, such as pimozide and quetiapine, potentially leading to heart rhythm disturbances. This combination should be avoided, and alternative antibiotics may be considered.
7. Ergot Derivatives: Concomitant use of Macrobac with ergotamine derivatives (used to treat migraines) can lead to ergot toxicity, characterized by symptoms such as severe peripheral vasoconstriction. This combination should be avoided.
8. Statins: Macrobac can interact with statin drugs, which are used to lower cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of muscle-related side effects, including rhabdomyolysis. Monitoring for muscle pain or weakness is important when using both medications.
9. Oral Hypoglycemic Agents and Insulin: There have been reports of potential interactions between Macrobac and oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, which could affect blood sugar control. Monitoring blood glucose levels is recommended when these medications are used concurrently.
10. Alcohol: While not a drug interaction in the traditional sense, consuming alcohol while taking Macrobac can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and worsen the effects of alcohol. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol while on antibiotics.