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Azithromycin Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
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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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Azithromycin
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections. It is available as 250 mg and 500 mg tablets, capsules, and oral suspension in the UK. Common brand names include Zithromax. Azithromycin is a prescription-only medicine. It is widely prescribed for respiratory tract infections, sexually transmitted infections (particularly chlamydia), skin infections, and ear infections. One of its key advantages is its short course duration — many infections can be treated with just 3 days of azithromycin.
What is Azithromycin used for?
Azithromycin is used for lower respiratory tract infections (community-acquired pneumonia, acute bronchitis), upper respiratory tract infections (sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis), chlamydia (as a single-dose treatment), skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media (middle ear infection), and Lyme disease (in penicillin-allergic patients). It is also used off-label for traveller’s diarrhoea and as long-term anti-inflammatory therapy in conditions such as bronchiectasis.
How does Azithromycin work?
Azithromycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. This prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins needed for growth and reproduction. Azithromycin is bacteriostatic at normal concentrations but can be bactericidal at higher concentrations. Its unique pharmacokinetic property is tissue accumulation — azithromycin concentrates in tissues at levels 50–100 times higher than in the blood, and has a very long tissue half-life (2–4 days). This allows short treatment courses with sustained antibacterial activity.
What is the usual dose of Azithromycin?
Dosing depends on the infection. For chlamydia: a single dose of 1 g (two 500 mg tablets). For respiratory tract infections and skin infections: 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily on days 2–5 (total 1.5 g over 5 days), or 500 mg daily for 3 days (total 1.5 g). For community-acquired pneumonia: 500 mg daily for 3 days. Azithromycin capsules should be taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food). Azithromycin tablets can be taken with or without food.
Do I need to take the full course?
Yes, always complete the prescribed course even if symptoms improve before the course finishes. Stopping antibiotics early can allow bacteria to survive and develop resistance. For chlamydia (single dose), the entire treatment is taken in one go. For longer courses, take all prescribed doses. If you experience severe side effects that prevent you from completing the course, contact your prescriber for advice.
What are the common side effects of Azithromycin?
Common side effects (1 in 10 to 1 in 100) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Headache, dizziness, and altered taste are reported. Azithromycin can cause QT interval prolongation, a rare but potentially serious effect on heart rhythm. This is more significant in patients already taking QT-prolonging drugs or with pre-existing cardiac conditions. Liver enzyme elevations may occur. Hearing disturbance (reversible) has been reported rarely at high doses.
What medications interact with Azithromycin?
Azithromycin has fewer drug interactions than some other macrolides (erythromycin, clarithromycin), but important ones exist. It may increase the risk of QT prolongation when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs (amiodarone, certain antipsychotics, SSRIs). Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium reduce absorption — take 1 hour before or 2 hours after. Warfarin’s effect may be enhanced. Ciclosporin and digoxin levels may increase. Statins should be monitored for muscle-related side effects.
Can I drink alcohol with Azithromycin?
There is no direct interaction between azithromycin and alcohol, but it is sensible to limit alcohol while taking any antibiotic. Alcohol can worsen the gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, stomach upset) and impairs immune function. For the best recovery, moderate your alcohol intake until you have completed your antibiotic course.
Can I take Azithromycin during pregnancy?
Azithromycin is generally considered safe in pregnancy. It is the treatment of choice for chlamydia in pregnant women according to BASHH guidelines. Animal studies and human data have not shown evidence of teratogenicity. It is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Always consult your prescriber before taking any medication during pregnancy.
How can I get Azithromycin?
Azithromycin requires a prescription from your GP, GUM clinic, or online prescribing service like NowPatient. For chlamydia treatment, sexual health clinics often provide it free of charge. NowPatient offers discreet online consultations for STI treatment and other indications.
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