Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Azithromycin

Antibiotic (macrolide)

Brand names: Zithromax, Z-Pak

Oral health effects

  • Oral candidiasis (thrush)

    Broad-spectrum antibiotics suppress commensal bacteria, allowing Candida overgrowth in the mouth.

    Mechanism: Loss of competitive inhibition from normal flora.

    Clinical management: Watch for thrush, especially with repeated courses; treat with an antifungal; reinforce hygiene.

  • Dysgeusia (taste disturbance)

    Macrolides commonly cause a bitter/altered taste.

    Clinical management: Usually transient; reassure.

Sources

  1. A review and guide to drug-associated oral adverse effects-Dental, salivary and neurosensory reactions. Part 1. Teoh L, Moses G, McCullough MJ. Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2019.
  2. Adverse drug events in the oral cavity. Yuan A, Woo SB. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology, 2015.