Azithromycin
Also known as: Zithromax
What it's for
Azithromycin is an antibiotic for chest infections, ear infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. It is often given as a short 3-day course.
Comes as: Tablets or liquid
How to take it
- Adults: Usually 500mg once daily for 3 days, or as prescribed.
- Take at the same time each day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- Complete the full course even if you feel better.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Headache
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Can affect heart rhythm - tell your doctor if you have heart problems
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you take
- May interact with some medicines including warfarin
- Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have a fast or irregular heartbeat
- You have severe diarrhoea or blood in your stool
- You have severe stomach pain
- You have yellowing of your skin or eyes
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.