Bacteria Channel
Topics
Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
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.
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.
The medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions. Some of its uses include:
- Treatment of a bacterial infection, such as:
- Respiratory infections, including bronchitis
- Ear infections (otitis media)
- Sinus infections (sinusitis)
- Pneumonia
- Throat infections (tonsillitis/pharyngitis)
- Skin infections (cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including:
(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.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD