General Medicine

Azithromycin Medicine Guide

Medicines

Medicine & Antibiotic Guide

Azithromycin: Uses, Side Effects, Composition, Dosage & Price

Name: Azithromycin: Uses, Side Effects, Composition, Dosage & Price
Creator: Dr. Ch. Srujith
Published: 2026-09-26

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ch. Srujith, General Physician & Diabetologist

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for selected bacterial infections. The right dose depends on the infection and patient, so it should be taken only as prescribed.

QUICK ANSWER

What is azithromycin used for? It is prescribed for susceptible bacterial infections such as selected respiratory, ear, skin and sexually transmitted infections. It does not treat common viral infections.

What about azithromycin 500 mg? 500 mg is one available strength, not a universal dose. Current prescribing information uses different schedules for different infections.

Important: Do not self-start antibiotics for fever, cold, cough or sore throat without a medical assessment.

Azithromycin tablets and prescription medicine information

Azithromycin at a Glance

Drug class

Macrolide antibacterial medicine.

Available strengths

Common oral strengths include 250 mg and 500 mg tablets; liquid formulations are also available.

Prescription medicine

Use it only when a clinician has identified or strongly suspects a bacterial infection for which azithromycin is appropriate.

What Is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works against susceptible bacteria by interfering with bacterial protein synthesis. It is used for specific bacterial infections rather than for viral illnesses.

Current FDA prescribing information lists indications including selected bacterial respiratory infections, uncomplicated skin infections, certain sexually transmitted infections, acute otitis media in children and other specified conditions. The exact approved indications depend on the product and patient population.

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Azithromycin Uses

Respiratory infections

Selected bacterial pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Ear infections

Selected acute otitis media, including specific pediatric indications.

Throat infections

Selected pharyngitis or tonsillitis when azithromycin is an appropriate alternative.

Skin infections

Selected uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections caused by susceptible bacteria.

Selected STIs

Specific urethritis, cervicitis and other sexually transmitted infections may be treated with an appropriate regimen.

Other specialist uses

Other uses may be appropriate in selected patients under specialist guidance. The diagnosis determines whether azithromycin is suitable.

Azithromycin is not a general-purpose fever medicine.

A fever may be caused by a virus, malaria, dengue, typhoid or another condition. Antibiotic treatment should be based on clinical assessment.

Azithromycin Composition

The active pharmaceutical ingredient is azithromycin. A 500 mg tablet contains 500 mg of azithromycin, while inactive ingredients vary between brands and manufacturers.

Form	Common strength / presentation	Important point
Tablet	250 mg, 500 mg	Take according to the prescribed regimen.
Capsule	250 mg in some products	Follow the product-specific instructions.
Oral suspension	100 mg/5 mL or 200 mg/5 mL	Measure liquid with the supplied dosing device.
Injection	Available in hospital formulations	Administered under professional supervision.

Azithromycin Dosage: What Is the Right Dose?

There is no single azithromycin dose that is correct for every infection. The prescription depends on the infection, age, weight, formulation, kidney or liver considerations, drug interactions and clinical severity.

Example indication in current U.S. prescribing information	Adult regimen
Selected mild community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis as second-line therapy, or uncomplicated skin infection	500 mg once on Day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2–5.
Acute bacterial sinusitis	500 mg once daily for 3 days.
Selected non-gonococcal urethritis/cervicitis	1 gram as a single dose.
Selected gonococcal urethritis/cervicitis	2 grams as a single dose in the cited U.S. label.

These are examples from current ZITHROMAX prescribing information, not a recommendation for self-treatment. Indications, guidelines and product labels can differ by country and clinical situation.

How to Take Azithromycin

Take it exactly as prescribed and at the recommended time.
Do not double the dose if you miss one.
Swallow tablets or capsules with water unless your formulation instructions say otherwise.
Follow the food instructions on your specific product. Some tablet/capsule instructions recommend taking it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
Separate azithromycin from aluminium- or magnesium-containing antacids according to the product or pharmacist instructions.
Do not stop or extend treatment on your own.

Azithromycin Side Effects

Diarrhoea

One of the common gastrointestinal side effects.

Nausea

Feeling sick can occur during treatment.

Abdominal pain

Stomach discomfort or pain can occur.

Vomiting

Vomiting is another recognised gastrointestinal adverse effect.

Headache / dizziness

Headache, dizziness or tiredness may occur in some people.

Taste changes

Temporary changes in taste have been reported.

Serious Azithromycin Side Effects

Serious reactions are uncommon but can require urgent treatment. The current FDA label warns about serious allergic reactions, liver injury, QT prolongation and potentially dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, C. difficile-associated diarrhoea and worsening muscle weakness in people with myasthenia gravis.

Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting or significant palpitations
Severe allergic reaction, facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
Severe rash, blistering or peeling skin
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other signs of liver injury
Severe or bloody persistent diarrhoea
Severe abdominal pain or other symptoms concerning for pancreatitis

Who Should Be Careful With Azithromycin?

People with previous allergy to azithromycin, erythromycin, macrolides or ketolides.
People with a history of liver problems related to previous azithromycin treatment.
People with certain heart-rhythm conditions or prolonged QT interval.
People taking other medicines that can prolong the QT interval.
People with myasthenia gravis.
People with significant liver or kidney problems should tell the prescriber before treatment.

Azithromycin Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take. Important interactions and precautions can involve medicines such as warfarin and other drugs that affect cardiac rhythm. Some antacids can also affect absorption depending on the formulation.

Never change a prescribed medicine simply because an interaction is listed online. A pharmacist or clinician can determine whether a timing adjustment, monitoring or alternative is needed.

Azithromycin Price in India

Azee 500

MRP ~₹126.71

Example current listing for a 5-tablet pack checked in September 2026. MRP and availability can vary by batch and seller.

Azithral 500

MRP ~₹126.73–₹126.74

Example current listings for a 5-tablet pack checked in September 2026. Retail selling price can differ from MRP.

Price information changes.

These figures are included to answer price-related searches, not as a purchase recommendation. Check the pack label and current pharmacy listing for the applicable MRP.

Azithromycin vs Viral Infection: Why Antibiotics Are Not Always Needed

Azithromycin treats susceptible bacteria; it does not kill viruses. Colds, influenza and many uncomplicated sore throats or viral fevers do not improve because an antibiotic was taken. Unnecessary antibiotic exposure can cause adverse effects and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.

If fever, cough or sore throat persists or worsens, a clinician can assess whether the cause is viral, bacterial or another condition and decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical assessment if symptoms are severe, persistent, repeatedly returning, or associated with breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, dehydration, severe diarrhoea or an allergic reaction.

Do not self-medicate with antibiotics

Choosing an antibiotic depends on the likely infection, local resistance patterns, allergies, other medicines and individual medical history.

General Medicine Consultation

MEDICAL REVIEWGeneral Medicine

Dr. Ch. Srujith

MBBS, MD — General Physician & Diabetologist

Clinical focus: Adult medicine, infections, fever evaluation and antibiotic stewardship.

Hospital: My Health Hospitals

This article is for general education and does not replace an individual prescription, diagnosis or treatment plan.

Azithromycin – Frequently Asked Questions

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections when the causative bacteria are susceptible. Depending on the formulation and indication, it may be prescribed for selected respiratory, ear, skin and sexually transmitted infections.

Yes. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial medicine. It treats susceptible bacterial infections and does not treat viral infections such as most common colds or uncomplicated viral fever.

Azithromycin 500 mg tablets contain azithromycin as the active ingredient. The inactive ingredients vary by manufacturer and brand, so the product label should be checked for the complete formulation.

Azithromycin 500 mg may be prescribed for selected bacterial infections. The exact indication and dose depend on the infection, patient age, medical history and the prescribing clinician's assessment.

There is no single dose for every infection. Current prescribing information includes different regimens, such as 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2–5 for certain infections, 500 mg once daily for 3 days for acute bacterial sinusitis, and single-dose regimens for some sexually transmitted infections. Follow the prescription rather than choosing a dose yourself.

No. Azithromycin does not treat viruses. Taking an antibiotic when a bacterial infection is not present exposes you to side effects and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. Headache, dizziness and changes in taste can also occur.

Yes. Diarrhoea is one of the more common side effects. Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea needs medical assessment because antibiotic-associated C. difficile infection can occur.

Azithromycin can prolong the QT interval and, rarely, cause serious abnormal heart rhythms. The risk is more important in people with certain heart conditions, a history of QT prolongation or other risk factors or medicines that affect cardiac rhythm.

People with a known allergy to azithromycin, erythromycin or another macrolide or ketolide should not take it. It is also contraindicated in people with a history of cholestatic jaundice or hepatic dysfunction associated with previous azithromycin use.

Yes. Serious liver injury has been reported rarely. Seek medical advice promptly if yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual itching or other symptoms of hepatitis develop.

Some antacids can affect azithromycin absorption. Follow the medicine label and pharmacist or doctor instructions; the NHS advises separating azithromycin tablets or capsules from antacids containing aluminium or magnesium.

Instructions depend on the formulation. NHS guidance says tablets and capsules are generally taken at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating, while liquid azithromycin can be taken with or without food. Follow your product leaflet if it differs.

Many people begin to feel better within a few days, but the expected response depends on the infection. Contact a clinician if symptoms are not improving after about 3 days or if they worsen at any time.

Take azithromycin exactly as prescribed and complete the prescribed course unless a healthcare professional tells you to stop or a serious reaction requires immediate discontinuation.

Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not take two doses together.

The price depends on the brand, pack size, pharmacy, formulation and batch. In September 2026, online listings showed MRPs around ₹126.71–₹126.74 for some 5-tablet packs of Azee 500 or Azithral 500; these are examples, not a universal price, and MRPs can change.

Azithromycin is available in several formulations, including tablets, capsules, oral suspension and injectable forms. Availability and strengths vary by manufacturer and market.

Do not start or stop azithromycin during pregnancy without medical advice. A clinician can weigh the benefit of treating a bacterial infection against individual risks and select an appropriate antibiotic when needed.

Get urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the face or throat, severe rash or blistering, fainting, chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe persistent diarrhoea, or signs of liver injury such as yellow skin or eyes.