Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. While antibiotics effectively treat this infection, individuals taking these medications may experience temporary side effects, including feeling unwell.
Common Medications and Expected Side Effects
The primary antibiotics prescribed for chlamydia are azithromycin and doxycycline. Azithromycin is often given as a single, larger dose. Common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal issues are typically mild and resolve after treatment.
Doxycycline is usually taken twice daily for seven days. This medication can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and indigestion. Doxycycline may also increase sensitivity to sunlight and can lead to esophageal irritation if not taken with sufficient fluid or if lying down too soon after administration.
Tips for Managing Discomfort
For doxycycline, taking the medication with a full glass of water and remaining upright for at least an hour afterward can help reduce esophageal irritation. If gastric irritation occurs, taking doxycycline with food or milk may alleviate symptoms. However, some forms of doxycycline should be taken on an empty stomach, so always confirm with a healthcare provider.
For both azithromycin and doxycycline, consuming bland foods and avoiding rich or spicy meals can help mitigate gastrointestinal upset. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is beneficial, especially if experiencing diarrhea. Resting can support the body’s recovery process while on antibiotics.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Contact your doctor for severe or persistent vomiting and diarrhea, especially if they lead to signs of dehydration like decreased urination. Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, require emergency medical care.
Severe abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, or yellowing of the skin or eyes could indicate liver problems and should be reported to a healthcare provider. Severe headaches accompanied by vision changes may signal increased pressure around the brain, necessitating medical evaluation. If symptoms worsen or do not improve after several days of treatment, consult a doctor.
The Importance of Completing Your Prescription
Despite potential discomfort from side effects, completing the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed is important. Stopping treatment early, even if symptoms improve, can lead to treatment failure and recurrence of the infection. Incomplete courses can also contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
Untreated chlamydia can result in serious long-term complications. For individuals with a uterus, these include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. In individuals with testes, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, causing inflammation and pain. Completing the full prescription ensures the infection is eradicated, preventing these health issues.