Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 12/02/2021
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of various infections, including chlamydia. Azithromycin is a type of antibiotic known as a macrolide. It works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria and causing them to die off.
Azithromycin cures chlamydia in 97% of cases. If your symptoms are still present after you have completed your treatment, you should see your doctor and you may need to be re-tested. As with all antibiotics, bacteria can become resistant, which may mean the treatment might not work as well. You may need a different antibiotic if the first treatment has not cleared the infection.
Dose |
One dose of 1g (4 250mg tablets), taken once |
Type of Medicine |
Macrolide antibiotic |
Mechanism |
Inhibits bacterial synthesis; prevents bacteria from replicating |
Available Size |
4 tablets |
Available Strengths |
250mg |
Active Ingredient |
Azithromycin dihydrate |
Price |
From £3.49 per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, headache, diziness, visual impairment, skin rashes |
The active ingredient in azithromycin is azithromycin monohydrate or azithromycin dihydrate, which are both forms of an antibiotic used to treat a range of infections.
The inactive ingredients in azithromycin are croscarmellose sodium (E468), magnesium stearate (E572), microcrystalline cellulose (E460), silicium dioxide, (E551), poloxamer, povidone (E1201), hypromellose (E464), hydroxypropylcellulose, macrogol and titanium dioxide (E171), talc, and lactose.
Please note: inactive ingredients can vary between different brands of generic azithromycin. Check the patient information leaflet provided for more information.
In rare cases, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to azithromycin. A severe allergic reaction needs urgent medical attention so make sure to visit your emergency room immediately if you notice the following symptoms. Facial/lip swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, chest tightness and a wheeze are signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.
You should take azithromycin according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions. The usual dose of azithromycin for treatment of chlamydia is 1g in a single dose. This may involve taking four 250mg tablets, or two 500mg tablets.
Each tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should be taken at least one hour before, or two hours after, eating food.
The usual dose of azithromycin for treatment of chlamydia is 1g in a single dose. This may involve taking four 250mg tablets, or two 500mg tablets.
Common side effects of azithromycin include:
Serious side effects:
If you experience any of these serious side effects, you should stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical attention:
Other side effects:
If you experience any of these side effects, you should consult your doctor:
This list of side effects is not exhaustive, there is more information contained within the package.
You should inform the prescribing doctor if you are taking, have taken or are planning to take any other medications, including non-prescription medications purchased over the counter, herbal remedies, vitamins and recreational drugs.
Azithromycin may interact with other medications. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
This list does not include all medications that may interact with azithromycin, so it is important that you let your doctor know about any other medications, alternative medicines, supplements, over the counter treatments and recreational drugs that you may be taking.
Alcohol does not reduce the effectiveness of treatment, but it can cause dehydration, compromise your liver function and cause side effects. Therefore you should avoid drinking alcohol when taking azithromycin.
Existing research suggests that azithromycin is safe to take during pregnancy and should not cause harm to you or your baby. If you are pregnant, it is always worth checking that no new research has been undertaken causing this advice to be changed.
Azithromycin is not known to be harmful during pregnancy and is often prescribed to pregnant women for the treatment of chlamydia. However, if you are pregnant, there is a chance you may be pregnant, or you plan on becoming pregnant you should disclose this to the prescribing doctor.
Azithromycin is passed into the breast milk of breastfeeding women. It is not thought to be harmful to the child, however, if you are breastfeeding and require azithromycin, it is important to disclose this to the prescribing doctor.
Zithromax is a brand of azithromycin available on prescription for the treatment of chlamydia and other bacterial infections.
In 2008, the MHRA announced that azithromycin may be made available over the counter without prescription as Clamelle. This is only available in selected pharmacies and is only for use for those who are asymptomatic but who have tested positive for chlamydia, or who have a partner who has tested positive for chlamydia.
It is safe to order azithromycin from a registered and regulated pharmacy, including an online pharmacy. In the UK, you should look for:
Dr Felix is a registered UK online pharmacy, using only GMC registered doctors. For more information, please visit: https://www.drfelix.co.uk/about-us/
You and your partner(s) should avoid sexual contact until you have completed treatment for chlamydia. It is also important for your partner(s) to be tested and treated if required to avoid re-infection.
If you have been prescribed a single 1g dose of azithromycin, you should avoid sexual contact for 1 week after taking the tablet(s).
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