Can You Take Tylenol With A Zpak (Azithromycin)?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is safe to combine Tylenol with a Z-Pak.
I have just been prescribed something called a Zpak for bronchitis. Can I take Tylenol with it?
Jul 06, 2022- Yes, Tylenol and Zpak are safe to take together with no interactions between them. You can take them at the same time and don't need to separate the doses. Tylenol is often recommended with antibiotics when treating conditions like bronchitis that cause pain and fever.
Answer
Hi there and thanks for reaching out!
Yes, Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be combined with a Zpak (azithromycin). There is no interaction between them and they are safe to take together.
It's not uncommon at all that a pain reliever like Tylenol is combined with antibiotics, especially when you are treating something like bronchitis, which generally causes a sore throat. There is no need to separate dosing of either from each other. They can even be taken at the same time.
Other pain relievers are safe to take with azithromycin as well, including ibuprofen. However, ibuprofen does have more interactions with other drugs and has more precautions, so more often than not, Tylenol is the over-the-counter pain reliever of choice.
Thanks again for your question and feel free to reach out again in the future.
About Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is used to relieve mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches, and reactions to vaccinations (shots), and to reduce fever. It may also be used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints).
Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). It works by changing the way the body senses pain and by cooling the body.
About Azithromycin
Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. It also is used to treat or prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection [a type of lung infection that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].
Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Acetaminophen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer commonly known by the brand name Tylenol.
- Azithromycin
- An antibiotic commonly known by the brand name Zpak that is used to treat bacterial infections.
- Analgesics
- Medications that relieve pain.
- Antipyretics
- Medications that reduce fever.
- Macrolide antibiotics
- A class of antibiotics that work by stopping the growth of bacteria.
- Bronchitis
- An infection of the tubes in the lungs that often causes a sore throat and cough.
- Osteoarthritis
- A type of arthritis caused by the breakdown of the lining of the joints.
- Mycobacterium avium complex
- A type of lung infection that often affects people with HIV.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →