Azithromycin
Prescription status is set country by country — the label where you live is the one that applies.
Beta: the medication section is still being tested, and its data may contain errors. Do not rely on it for a decision about your own treatment.
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It binds to the bacterial ribosome and stops the bacteria from making the proteins they need, which halts their growth; it stays in tissue long after the last dose, so courses are short. It is used for bacterial infections, commonly of the airways, skin and some sexually transmitted ones.
A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.
Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.
The tablets are taken with or without food, the capsules on an empty stomach, and either is kept well apart from antacids, whose aluminium and magnesium bind it and blunt absorption; it also interferes with magnesium itself. Probiotics are spaced a few hours away so the antibiotic does not simply wipe them out, and the full course is finished even once symptoms fade. It can raise the effect of the anticoagulant warfarin and, with atorvastatin, the risk of muscle injury, and ALT is watched because the liver handles this drug.
Azithromycin can lengthen the QT interval, so fainting, palpitations or a racing irregular heartbeat means seeing a doctor promptly. Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, yellowing skin, or severe watery or bloody diarrhoea also warrant medical review.
Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.