azithromycin
Treatment options for Chlamydia
Buy azithromycin safely, securely and easily in a few simple steps. Start a consultation today to check your eligibility with a prescribing clinician, at no cost to you.
This content is intended for UK audiences only
Report suspected side effects or adverse reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) using the Yellow Card Reporting system that covers medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes and medical device incidents.
Learn more about reporting side effectsOther known brand names
Zithromax
About azithromycin
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including chlamydia and community-acquired pneumonia. It is also used to treat infections such as disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex, pneumonia, ear infections, lungs, sinuses, throat, and skin. Azithromycin is also effective for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through its ability to block inflammatory processes.
NowPatient offers azithromycin as a treatment for chlamydia only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of azithromycin
- Azithromycin is an antimicrobial that can clear chlamydia within 7 days
- Azithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections
- Azithromycin has some common side effects which include abdominal pain and diarrhoea
- It can be dangerous if you take azithromycin with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take azithromycin
Who is azithromycin not suitable for?
Azithromycin may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking azithromycin if you:
- Are allergic to azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin
- Have low magnesium or potassium blood levels
- Have myasthenia gravis
- Have kidney or liver disease
- Have any heart problems
- Are taking any ergot derivatives
How and where to get azithromycin?
You can buy azithromycin safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of chlamydia, you can discuss if azithromycin is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for azithromycin for chlamydia
Azithromycin is available as tablets or capsules when used for chlamydia. It is available in strengths ranging from 250 mg to 500 mg. The dosage of azithromycin to treat chlamydia consists of taking two 500mg tablets at the same time followed by 500mg on the following two days.
Information about how to take azithromycin for chlamydia
Take two azithromycin 500mg tablets as a single dose, then 500mg once daily for two days. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking azithromycin oral suspension, take 25mls orally as a single dose, then 12.5ml once daily for two days.
Read the patient information leaflet provided, before taking azithromycin and always take it as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
What happens if you take too much azithromycin?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much azithromycin and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of azithromycin?
Side effects of azithromycin are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, flatulence
Serious side effects include:
- Severe or itchy skin rash, blistering and soreness of the eyes, mouth or genital organs
- Bloody diarrhoea, with stomach pain or fever
- Liver problems – upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Blood in your urine
- Sensitivity to sunlight causing skin rash
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Changes to heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a life-threatening allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking azithromycin at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and azithromycin. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor what other prescription or nonprescription medications your taking, such as:
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
- Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium hydroxide
Can azithromycin taken for chlamydia be taken long term?
Azithromycin will clear chlamydia within 7 days. Speak to your doctor if symptoms still persist after 7 days.
Is there a herbal azithromycin?
No. Herbal azithromycin does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use azithromycin?
Women can take azithromycin for the treatment of chlamydia. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before starting treatment with azithromycin.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking azithromycin?
You can eat and drink normally when taking azithromycin. However, do not drink alcohol if azithromycin makes you feel dizzy, as it will make you feel worse.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with chlamydia?
- Use a condom when having vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Do not share sex toys
- Use a dam to cover female genitals during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together
Alternatives to azithromycin
An alternative for the treatment of chlamydia is doxycycline.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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