Can You Take Two Z-Paks In A Row (Back To Back)?

Answer

Thanks for reaching out! This is a great question and one that actually comes up fairly often with azithromycin.

As a general statement, there is no specific reason why you couldn't take two Z-Paks in a row and there isn't a set time you need to wait after finishing one pack to start another if there is a medical indication to continue on the antibiotic. There are certainly specific infections that azithromycin is used to treat that require more than a 5-day course of the antibiotic.

It's also possible that someone may be unlucky enough to have separate infections in a row that requires prolonged antibiotic treatment.

However, and this is an important point, azithromycin lasts for a long time in your system after taking your last dose, at least a few days.

It's a common counseling point that is communicated to individuals taking a Z-Pak, that you may not feel completely better after 5 days (the length of time one course of a Z-Pak lasts) but the drug is still working, even after your last dose.

Due to the long duration of action of azithromycin, it makes sense to wait at least 3-5 days before starting another Z-Pak after finishing one since the drug will still be in your system for that amount of time, and still be working as an antibiotic.

Now, of course, if your doctor has instructed you otherwise, be sure to take your medication as prescribed. As a general point though, you should wait at least a few days after finishing a Z-Pak to see if you feel better before you consider taking another one.

Azithromycin Stays In Your System For An Extended Period Of Time

Azithromycin has a long half-life, which means that it remains in the body for an extended period of time after the last dose.

The half-life of azithromycin has been reported to be approximately 40-68 hours, which means that it takes about that amount of time for the concentration of the drug in the body to be reduced by half.

It generally takes around 4 to 5 half-lives for most drugs to be considered completely eliminated from your system, so, in regard to azithromycin, it lasts in your system for at least 7 to 10 days after your last dose.

As mentioned in the section above, it's common for healthcare providers to tell their patients that they may not feel completely better after finishing the 5-day course of a Z-Pak. If, however, after 7 to 10 days, you aren't at least starting to feel better, you should talk to the doctor.

There could be many different reasons why a Z-Pak might not work, including the infection you have not being sensitive to the drug, so it is important that you are reevaluated by your doctor if you aren't getting any better.

What To Do If You Still Feel Sick After Your First Z-Pak

After finishing the 5-day course of your Z-Pak, as I've written above, the antibiotic is still in your system working. If, however you don't start to feel better after 7 to 10 days, talk to your doctor.

It is entirely possible they will prescribe you another Z-Pak, so you can certainly take them back-to-back in this sense without any type of waiting period. It would just be very uncommon that you would take another Z-Pak immediately after finishing an initial treatment with a Z-Pak, because, again, the drug is still working.

Your doctor may prescribe you another antibiotic as well if they think azithromycin won't be effective for eradicating the specific bacteria causing your infection. They may also diagnose you with something else altogether (like a viral infection).

Now, based on your question, it sounds like you were treated for an infection with a Z-Pak, it was effective, and now you are starting to feel sick again, likely from exposure to another illness from one of your grandkids.

In this case, treating a separate infection, you could certainly start a new Z-Pak without a waiting period if it is an appropriate antibiotic choice for you. Talk to your doctor so you can be evaluated. If they feel like you have a bacterial infection that is susceptible to azithromycin, it is perfectly fine to use it again.

Final Words

Being on prolonged antibiotic therapy does increase the risk you may experience some side effects. For azithromycin, the most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), so it is important to keep this in mind.

Overall though, at the usual dosages, the antibiotic is well tolerated.

Thanks again for contacting us! I hope you found this helpful.