Stomach upset

Posted by dfi @dfi, Sep 30, 2023

I started this week on the first antibiotic Azithromycin, I feel sick to my stomach and a headache. I’m supposed to add Ethambutol next week and Rifampin the following week. I’m already wanting to give up if adding the others are going to make me sicker.

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maryjanechilds | @maryjanechilds | Oct 2, 2023

I have survived these drugs by taking the generic for Zofran which is ondansetron, an anti- nausea pill. It’s a small tablet that melts in your mouth. I take it 15 minutes before I have to take my meds. Also, you should take azithromycin just after you eat a meal. If you’ve been taking it on an empty stomach that’s probably why you feel sick and you might not even need the ondansetron. My doctor has been very precise about how the meds should be taken: rifampin first thing in the morning and don’t eat or drink for an hour (I take the ondansetron 15 minutes ahead); azithromycin after a meal; all three ethambutol 1 hour before dinner on an empty stomach. You can take another ondansetron before that as well. It’s the only way I have managed to keep going.