Taking Tylenol With Azithromycin For A Sinus Infection
Our pharmacist answers a question regarding the combined use of azithromycin and Tylenol.
I was recently prescribed azithromycin for sinusitis, but I still have a low-grade fever. Can I take Tylenol with that, and if so, how far apart should I take the other medication? Thank you!
Apr 11, 2024- It is safe to take Tylenol with azithromycin as there is no interaction between these medications. You can take Tylenol and azithromycin together without needing to separate the doses. Fever from a bacterial sinus infection typically goes away within the first 24 to 48 hours, though it may last longer in some people.
Answer
Thank you for contacting us! I am happy to help.
I'm sorry to hear you are dealing with a sinus infection! Having a fever with a bacterial sinus infection isn't uncommon. For those who do experience a fever, it generally appears quickly and then tends to dissipate within the first 24 to 48 hours. However, it can linger in some individuals.
In regard to your question about taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) with the antibiotic azithromycin you've been prescribed, it is generally safe to do so as there is no known interaction between them. Another fever reducer, ibuprofen, is also safe to take with azithromycin.
You specifically asked about how long to separate dosing of Tylenol and azithromycin. Since there is no interaction between them, there isn't a need to separate their dosing. They can be taken together.
Final Words
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References & sources
- Clinical practice guideline (update): adult sinusitis — PubMed
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Bacterial sinus infection
- A sinus infection caused by bacteria that affects the air-filled spaces in the skull around the nose and eyes.
- Fever
- An abnormally high body temperature, usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- Acetaminophen
- A common pain reliever and fever reducer medication also known by the brand name Tylenol.
- Antibiotic
- A medication that kills bacteria or stops them from growing to treat infections.
- Azithromycin
- An antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections like sinus infections.
- Interaction
- When two medications react with each other in a way that changes how they work or causes harmful effects.
- Ibuprofen
- A pain reliever and fever reducer medication that reduces inflammation in the body.
- Dosing
- The amount of medication you take and how often you take it.
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...
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