From the Research
Antibiotics can cause night sweats as a side effect, and if you're experiencing them, it's essential to stay hydrated and contact your healthcare provider if the sweating is severe or persists after finishing the medication. The relationship between antibiotics and night sweats is complex, and various mechanisms may contribute to this side effect, including affecting temperature regulation, triggering an immune response, or altering hormone levels temporarily 1. Common antibiotics that may cause night sweats include ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, azithromycin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.
Some studies suggest that the incidence of night sweats is relatively common, affecting up to 60% of women on an obstetrics inpatient unit, although the life expectancy of primary care patients reporting night sweats does not appear to be reduced 1. A more recent study published in 2020 found that conditions commonly associated with night sweats include menopause, mood disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hyperthyroidism, and obesity, but the presence of night sweats alone does not indicate an increased risk of death 2.
When evaluating patients with night sweats, a systematic and cost-conscious strategy using readily available laboratory and imaging studies is recommended 2. However, in the context of antibiotic use, it's crucial to weigh the benefits of treatment against the potential risks, including the development of antibiotic resistance 3. A study published in 2018 found that azithromycin is non-inferior to amoxicillin-clavulanate for resolving exacerbations in children with non-severe bronchiectasis, but may be associated with a longer exacerbation duration and a risk of inducing macrolide resistance 4.
In terms of management, patients experiencing night sweats while taking antibiotics should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear lightweight clothing to bed, and use breathable bedding. It's essential to contact your healthcare provider if the sweating is severe, accompanied by high fever (over 101°F/38.3°C), or persists after finishing the medication, as these symptoms could indicate an allergic reaction or that the infection isn't responding to treatment. Never stop taking prescribed antibiotics without consulting your doctor, as completing the full course is essential for properly treating the infection and preventing antibiotic resistance.