How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin - JASE Medical
How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin

(They may last longer than you think)

How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin

Azithromycin is a type of macrolide antibiotic. It works by decreasing the production of protein and stopping bacterial growth. Other macrolide antibiotics include clarithromycin and erythromycin.

Because of the anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties of Azithromycin, this antibiotic was used extensively for mild to moderate symptoms of Covid during the pandemic; however, a study published by the American Family Physician showed no difference in symptoms or mortality when compared to a placebo in hospitalized patients(patients with severe symptoms).

Azithromycin is listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Medications for the newly released 2023 edition:

FIRST CHOICE (From WHO 2023 List)

  • Cholera
  • Enteric fever
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Trachoma (a contagious bacterial infection of the eye in which there is inflamed granulation on the inner surface of the lids)
  • Yaws (a tropical infection of the skin, bones, and joints caused by the spirochete bacterium)

SECOND CHOICE

  • Acute invasive bacterial diarrhea
  • Dysentery
  • Gonorrhea

In addition, Azithromycin can be used to treat

  • Pneumonia and
  • Urinary tract infections

How long does Azithromycin remain potent?

The potency of antibiotics can be affected by factors such as temperature, light, moisture, and storage conditions. Inappropriate storage and transportation of antibiotics may lead to loss of potency earlier than the expiry date. Keep dry and at stable room temperature away from light.

Expiration dates reflect when the product is expected to remain stable or retain its identity, strength, quality, and purity when properly stored according to its labeled storage conditions.

According to the Shelf-Life Extension Program, a joint initiative of the FDA and Department of Defense that tested 122 drugs for potency after their expiration date revealed that erythromycin powder, a macrolide antibiotic in the same family as Azithromycin, retained its potency up to 83 months (over 7 years). Given that powder forms of antibiotics lose potency sooner than tablet form, this family of antibiotics may likely retain its potency past 7 years.

It is a general consensus that even though antibiotics are safe to take past their expiration date, they may lose potency.

How to take

Azithromycin is usually taken once a day.

Take capsules whole with a large glass of water and 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Side effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and an upset stomach.

An allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, QT prolongation, or a type of diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile is possible.

What to avoid

Do not take Azithromycin if you have hypersensitivity or allergy to erythromycin or other macrolide antibiotics.

Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Azithromycin, as these can make it less effective. This includes Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, and others. These antacids can make Azithromycin less effective when taken at the same time.

Consult with your care provider before taking if you have:

  • Liver disease.
  • Kidney disease.
  • Myasthenia gravis.
  • A heart rhythm disorder.
  • Low levels of potassium in your blood.
  • Long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reaction to Azithromycin: (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat)
  • Severe skin reaction: (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling)

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin

Heading 4 As the summer heat wave in most parts of the country rages on, and rolling blackouts threaten our grid and safety, one area of particular concern is heat sensitive prescription and over the counter medications.

Heading 3Most medications need to be stored at room temperature

 

Heading 2 (59-86 degrees F) and ideal humidity under 60% t

 

Heading 5 o maintain their strength and quality

. Some, such as insulin and other hormone related medications require refrigeration after opening. Many medications lose potency when exposed to heat, and are not toxic or dangerous, however this alone can cause life threatening results for those using insulin, heart or respiratory medications. 

How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Azithromycin

6 Tips to keep medications cool and safe

  • Store in original container, out of heat and light. Bathroom or kitchen cabinets are ideal for this. If your bathroom or kitchen areas are too humid or hot, consider a bedroom closet shelf to store your medicines. In addition, ask your pharmacist if there are any special precautions or needed care when storing your medicine.
  • If you use a medication that needs to be refrigerated invest in a separate small cooler with ice packs to store your medication in. Do not use this bag for anything else other than refrigerated medicines. Only open the bag when necessary to maintain the cooler temperature. Medications that need be refrigerated should be always kept between 36° and 46°F. A TSA approved insulin pen cooler, which can last up to 74 hours may be a good investment 
  • Use this same cooler for plane trips. Don’t check in medications, always carry on your medications. Temperatures in holding areas are not temperature controlled. Plus it is best to always have your medications with you when traveling (lost luggage, etc)
  • If traveling in a car with your medications, take them with you, don’t leave them in a hot car.
  • If you use mail order services for obtaining your medication, ask for heat resistant packaging or overnight delivery.. Nitroglycerin is sensitive to environmental changes, and most patients using this are aware and have their pills exchanged on a regular basis. Thyroid hormones are also sensitive to excessive heat.

A study done on Formoterol capsules (Foradil Aerolizer) , powder fille capsule used in an inhaler, was heated to 115 degrees F, the temperature of an Arizona mailbox for 4 hours. The capsules were removed from packaging and dispensed into the manufacturers filter tube. Results showed that filter weights of heated medications were less than half of those unexposed to heat, showing that a significantly less amount of the drug had been dispensed after it had been heated. In addition, capsules exposed to heat were grossly distorted in appearance and showed visible clumping. Medication had stuck to the sides of the gelatin capsule. It would not have been available to the patient. 

  • Treat your over the counter medicines the same way you treat your prescription ones. These medicines can lose their efficacy when exposed to excessive heat and humidity also (Tylenol, Aleve, etc). 

As rolling blackouts and heatwaves continue this summer in many parts of our country, staying cool is more important than ever. In addition to keeping our bodies and food cool, remember medications, both prescription and over the counter require attention and preparation also.