What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, eye infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Important information

You should not use azithromycin if you have ever had jaundice or liver problems when you have previously taken this medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use azithromycin if you are allergic to it, or if:

you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking azithromycin; or
you are allergic to similar drugs such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin.

To make sure azithromycin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
myasthenia gravis;
a heart rhythm disorder;
low levels of potassium in your blood; or
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take azithromycin?

Take azithromycin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. The dose and length of treatment may not be the same for every type of infection.

You may take most forms of azithromycin with or without food.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared. Skipping doses may also increase your risk of further infection that is resistant to antibiotics. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.