Azithromycin is a medicine used to treat many types of bacterial infections.

It’s commonly prescribed for infections of the lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, skin, urinary tract, cervix, or genitals.

This medicine is in a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Azithromycin will only help infections caused by certain bacteria and will not work for the common cold, flu, or other viral infections.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medicine in 1991.

uses

What is Azithromycin (Zithromax) used for?

Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis
Campylobacter Gastroenteritis
Chancroid
Gonococcal Infection -- Uncomplicated
Granuloma Inguinale
Legionella Pneumonia
Lyme Disease -- Erythema Chronicum Migrans
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Treatment
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare -- Prophylaxis
Mycobacterium kansasii
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Otitis Media
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pneumonia
Shigellosis
Sinusitis
Syphilis -- Early
Bacterial Infection
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
Skin and Structure Infection
Bronchitis
Chlamydia Infection
Cervicitis
Babesiosis
Pertussis Prophylaxis
Bartonellosis
Pertussis

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Azithromycin (Zithromax)?

You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had:

jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin; or
a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

Azithromycin oral should not be used to treat pneumonia in people who have:

cystic fibrosis;
an infection after being in a hospital;
an infection in the blood;
a weak immune system (caused by diseases such as HIV/AIDS or cancer); or
in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

pneumonia;
liver or kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
low levels of potassium in your blood;
a heart rhythm disorder; or
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

It is not known whether this medicine is effective in treating genital ulcers in women.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Taking azithromycin while breastfeeding may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or rash in the nursing baby.

Azithromycin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 months old. Azithromycin should not be used to treat a throat or tonsil infection in a child younger than 2 years old.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Azithromycin (Zithromax)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or
liver problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

Call your doctor right away if a baby taking azithromycin becomes irritable or vomits while eating or nursing.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects on heart rhythm, including a life-threatening fast heart rate.

Common side effects may include:

nausea, vomiting; or
stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Azithromycin (Zithromax)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor before using anti-diarrhea medicine.

Azithromycin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Azithromycin (Zithromax)?

Use Azithromycin (Zithromax) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Azithromycin oral is taken by mouth. Azithromycin injection is given as an infusion into a vein, usually for 2 days before you switch to azithromycin oral. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may take azithromycin oral with or without food.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Skipping doses can increase your risk of infection that is resistant to medication. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Azithromycin (Zithromax)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Additional Dosage Information

Your dosage will depend on your medical condition, your age, the formulation of azithromycin you use, and other factors.

A typical dosage of immediate-release azithromycin for adults might be 500 milligrams (mg) a day on day one, followed by 250 mg a day on days two to five.

If your doctor prescribes the extended-release form of azithromycin, you may take 2 grams (g) once as a single dose.