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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.
 
(Azithromycin Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;