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Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of common bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chancroid. Part of a class of antibiotics known as macrolides, this medicine works to kill bacteria in the body by affecting peptide activity and decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein. It comes in either a tablet or liquid suspension form and is usually taken once daily. Side effects of azithromycin may include nausea, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea.

 

What Is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin (Zithromax®) is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common infections. It is part of a class of antibiotics called macrolides. Other medicines in this class include clarithromycin and erythromycin.
 

Azithromycin Uses

Azithromycin is licensed to treat a number of conditions. Some uses for azithromycin include:
 
  • Treatment of a bacterial infection, such as:
o Respiratory infections, including bronchitis
o Ear infections (otitis media)
o Sinus infections (sinusitis)
o Pneumonia
o Throat infections (tonsillitis/pharyngitis)
o Skin infections (cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo)
o Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including:
o Chancroid.
(Click What Is Azithromycin Used For? for more information on the uses for this medicine.)
 
Azithromycin is not effective against any infection caused by a virus, such as the flu, stomach flu, or common cold.
 

How Does Azithromycin Work?

Azithromycin is part of a class of drugs called macrolides. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein and affects peptide activity, both of which the bacterium needs to live.
 

Azithromycin Effects

By affecting the protein and peptides of bacteria, azithromycin helps to stop bacteria from continuing to live and cause infection in the body.
 

Azithromycin: When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take azithromycin include:
 
  • Azithromycin comes as a tablet or liquid suspension and is usually taken once daily, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
     
  • Azithromycin can be taken with or without food.
     
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the azithromycin.
     
  • Azithromycin should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your system.
     
  • For azithromycin to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Make sure that you complete your entire prescription of azithromycin, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
     
  • Never take outdated azithromycin. Taking any outdated medication may cause serious problems because the intended effects often change after expiration.
     

Azithromycin: Dietary Considerations

There are specific dietary restrictions with one type of azithromycin. The immediate-release suspension and tablet may be taken with or without food. If you suffer from an upset stomach while taking either of these forms of azithromycin, try taking them with food or milk.
 
Azithromycin extended-release suspension (Zmax™), however, works the best if taken either one hour before you eat or two hours after you have eaten. If extended-release azithromycin is taken too close to meals, azithromycin will not be absorbed as well and may not produce maximal effects.
 

Azithromycin Dosing

The dose of azithromycin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any drug, do not adjust your azithromycin dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Azithromycin Dosage for more information about dosing for azithromycin.)
 

Side Effects of Azithromycin

(The azithromycin side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of azithromycin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of azithromycin side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with azithromycin. Not everyone who takes azithromycin will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or a healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of azithromycin include but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Cramping
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Headache.
     
There are also a number of less common but more serious side effects that can occur.
 
(Click Azithromycin Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of azithromycin, including possible serious side effects to look out for.)
 

Drug Interactions With Azithromycin

Azithromycin can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Azithromycin Drug Interactions for more information about azithromycin and these other medicines.)
 

Azithromycin: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking azithromycin if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or failure
  • Have kidney disease or failure
  • Have any heart problems
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies to medications
  • Will be having any surgery.
     
Also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, oral contraceptives, blood-thinners, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Azithromycin Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take azithromycin.)
 

Azithromycin Overdose

People who take too much azithromycin may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of strength.
     
If you happen to overdose on azithromycin, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Azithromycin: Storage Methods

Azithromycin tablets and oral suspensions should be stored at room temperature. Azithromycin products should be kept protected from light, moisture, and excessive heat.
 
Keep azithromycin and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Azithromycin: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your azithromycin as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose!
 

Azithromycin Manufacturer

Azithromycin is manufactured by a number of companies. Some of these companies include:
 
  • Pfizer
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Sandoz
  • Pliva.
     

Azithromycin: Generic

Azithromycin is a generic medication. Azithromycin is also available under a number of brand names. These brands include:
 
  • Zithromax®
  • Zithromax® TRI-PAK™
  • Zithromax® Z-PAK®
  • Zmax™.
     

Azithromycin: Strengths

Azithromycin comes in a number of strengths and will vary somewhat depending on who makes it. For generic azithromycin, strengths include:
 
  • Azithromycin 250 mg tablets
     
  • Azithromycin 500 mg tablets
     
  • Azithromycin 100 mg/5 mL liquid -- each teaspoon (5 ml) containing 100 mg of azithromycin
     
  • Azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL liquid-- each teaspoon (5 ml) containing 200 mg of azithromycin.
     
Zmax™ is available only as a liquid suspension. The liquid strength is Zmax™ 2 gm/60 mL (the entire 60 mL contents are to be consumed in one dose, one time only).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;