Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesBefore TakingDosageSide EffectsWarnings and InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Before Taking
Dosage
Side Effects
Warnings and Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
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AzaSite (eye drops)ZithromaxZithromax Single Dose PacketsZithromax Tri-PaksZithromax Z-Paks
Azithromycin is used to treat and prevent many different types of infections. They include:
Azithromycin also is used prophylactically to prevent heart infection in people having dental or other procedures and to prevent STIs in victims of sexual assault.
Azithromycin is often prescribed as an alternative to penicillin for people who are allergic to it.
Off-Label Uses
Azithromycin sometimes is prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne. It also may be administered to children in intensive care.Azithromycin also has been investigated in combination with hydroxychloroquine to treatCOVID-19, however it has not been shown to be effective.
A healthcare provider may prescribe azithromycin if you’re showing signs of an infection such as fever, chills, and fatigue or pain at the infection site. They also may wait until after you’ve been tested for and diagnosed with a specific infection. In many cases, azithromycin will be the first antibiotic prescribed for an infection.
Be aware before you take azithromycin that it is the generic name of the drug and so you may be prescribed a brand-name version of this drug, depending on your doctor’s preference and your specific infection.
It’s also important for your practitioner to know certain details about your medical history that may affect whether azithromycin is the best antibiotic for you. Tell them if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin. Also share the names of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently take, if any. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may contraindicate use.
Precautions and Contraindications
Precautions should be taken for people who have:
Azithromycin is strongly contraindicated in certain circumstances. If any apply to you and a healthcare provider who isn’t familiar with your medical history wants to prescribe azithromycin for you, tell them so they can give you a safer alternative. The contraindications for azithromycin include:
Azithromycin is commonly used during pregnancy, however it is always a idea to inform your doctor if you are pregnancy.
Because azithromycin is so widely used, it is one of many antibiotics for which antibiotic resistance may be an issue, meaning it may not be fully effective against certain infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, ear infections, acute sinusitis, andmethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), a superbug with broad antibacterial resistance.
Every Antibiotics Question You Have, Answered
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right dose for you.
How to Take and Store
Take azithromycin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking azithromycin too soon or skip doses, your infection may return, allowing the bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics.
As with all medications, store in a cool, dry place, out of sight and out of reach of children.
As with any medication, azithromycin can cause side effects.
Common
Many common side effects are related to the digestive system, but most are mild and should pass after your course of treatment is finished.
Severe
Immediately stop taking azithromycin and seek medical attention if you experience the following:
Common and Serious Antibiotic Side Effects in Children
Azithromycin is widely used and is a common substitute for people who are allergic to other antibiotics. It’s largely regarded as safe but there are some can interact with certain medications and other substances.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA Z-Pak is a five-day course of the antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) distributed in a blister pack. A Z-Pak contains six 250 mg tablets. Take two tablets the first day and one tablet a day for the next four days.Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, Lyme disease, ear infections, conjunctivitis, and skin infections. It is also sometimes prescribed as a preventive measure prior to dental procedures.Yes. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that treats a wide spectrum of bacteria. It is commonly prescribed in place of penicillin for people with a penicillin allergy.
A Z-Pak is a five-day course of the antibiotic Zithromax (azithromycin) distributed in a blister pack. A Z-Pak contains six 250 mg tablets. Take two tablets the first day and one tablet a day for the next four days.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, Lyme disease, ear infections, conjunctivitis, and skin infections. It is also sometimes prescribed as a preventive measure prior to dental procedures.
Yes. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that treats a wide spectrum of bacteria. It is commonly prescribed in place of penicillin for people with a penicillin allergy.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oshikoya KA, Wharton GT, Avant D, et al.Serious adverse events associated with off-label use of azithromycin or fentanyl in children in intensive care units: A retrospective chart review.Paediatr Drugs. 2019;21(1):47-58. doi:10.1007/s40272-018-0318-9Gbinigie K, Frie K.Should azithromycin be used to treat COVID-19? A rapid review.BJGPOpen. 2020;4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101094Rao GA, Mann JR, Shoaibi A, et al.Azithromycin and levofloxacin use and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and death.Ann Family Med. 2014;12(2):121-127. doi:10.1370/afm.1601Additional ReadingFood and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) and the risk of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Mar 12, 2013.Ray WA, Murray KT, Hall K, et al.Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death.N Engl J Med.2012; 366:1881. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1003833Schwartz PJ, Woosley RL.Predicting the unpredictable: Drug-induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 5;67(13):1639-1650. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.063Voelker R.Another caution for clarithromycin.JAMA.2018;319(13):1314. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.2945
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Oshikoya KA, Wharton GT, Avant D, et al.Serious adverse events associated with off-label use of azithromycin or fentanyl in children in intensive care units: A retrospective chart review.Paediatr Drugs. 2019;21(1):47-58. doi:10.1007/s40272-018-0318-9Gbinigie K, Frie K.Should azithromycin be used to treat COVID-19? A rapid review.BJGPOpen. 2020;4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101094Rao GA, Mann JR, Shoaibi A, et al.Azithromycin and levofloxacin use and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and death.Ann Family Med. 2014;12(2):121-127. doi:10.1370/afm.1601Additional ReadingFood and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) and the risk of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Mar 12, 2013.Ray WA, Murray KT, Hall K, et al.Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death.N Engl J Med.2012; 366:1881. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1003833Schwartz PJ, Woosley RL.Predicting the unpredictable: Drug-induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 5;67(13):1639-1650. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.063Voelker R.Another caution for clarithromycin.JAMA.2018;319(13):1314. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.2945
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Oshikoya KA, Wharton GT, Avant D, et al.Serious adverse events associated with off-label use of azithromycin or fentanyl in children in intensive care units: A retrospective chart review.Paediatr Drugs. 2019;21(1):47-58. doi:10.1007/s40272-018-0318-9Gbinigie K, Frie K.Should azithromycin be used to treat COVID-19? A rapid review.BJGPOpen. 2020;4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101094Rao GA, Mann JR, Shoaibi A, et al.Azithromycin and levofloxacin use and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and death.Ann Family Med. 2014;12(2):121-127. doi:10.1370/afm.1601
Oshikoya KA, Wharton GT, Avant D, et al.Serious adverse events associated with off-label use of azithromycin or fentanyl in children in intensive care units: A retrospective chart review.Paediatr Drugs. 2019;21(1):47-58. doi:10.1007/s40272-018-0318-9
Gbinigie K, Frie K.Should azithromycin be used to treat COVID-19? A rapid review.BJGPOpen. 2020;4(2). doi:10.3399/bjgpopen20X101094
Rao GA, Mann JR, Shoaibi A, et al.Azithromycin and levofloxacin use and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmia and death.Ann Family Med. 2014;12(2):121-127. doi:10.1370/afm.1601
Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) and the risk of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Mar 12, 2013.Ray WA, Murray KT, Hall K, et al.Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death.N Engl J Med.2012; 366:1881. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1003833Schwartz PJ, Woosley RL.Predicting the unpredictable: Drug-induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 5;67(13):1639-1650. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.063Voelker R.Another caution for clarithromycin.JAMA.2018;319(13):1314. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.2945
Food and Drug Administration.FDA drug safety communication: Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) and the risk of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Mar 12, 2013.
Ray WA, Murray KT, Hall K, et al.Azithromycin and the risk of cardiovascular death.N Engl J Med.2012; 366:1881. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1003833
Schwartz PJ, Woosley RL.Predicting the unpredictable: Drug-induced QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Apr 5;67(13):1639-1650. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2015.12.063
Voelker R.Another caution for clarithromycin.JAMA.2018;319(13):1314. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.2945
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