The Hidden Cost of a Z-Pack: What Azithromycin Does to the Gut Microbiome and Why It Matters for Long-Term Patient Outcomes
Azithromycin's broad-spectrum activity extends well beyond its intended pathogen targets, disrupting the delicate balance of commensal gut bacteria in ways that can persist for weeks to months after a course ends. Clinicians making prescribing decisions must now weigh not only immediate therapeutic benefit but also the downstream consequences of post-treatment dysbiosis. This article synthesizes current evidence on microbiome disruption, secondary infection risk, and recovery trajectories to sup
