Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that can treat many infections including those found in the chest, sinuses, and skin as well as sexually transmitted infections. Azithromycin is also effective for treating traveller's diarrhoea, skin infections and ear infections. 

How does it work?

Azithromycin belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics. These antibiotics are able to penetrate the cell and prevent protein synthesis by targeting the bacterial ribosome. This inhibits the bacterial growth and spread, thereby eliminating the infection.

Is Azithromycin right for me?

Azithromycin is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The prescriber needs to decide if its suitable for an individual's contracted infection and the length of the treatment. There are instances where azithromycin may not be suitable, which are as follows:

• If you are allergic to Azithromycin or any other macrolides
• If you have kidney or liver problmes
• Suffer with myasthenia gravis
• Taking ergot derivatives such as ergotamine

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All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects, however these do not always occur.

• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Lack of appetite
• Feeling dizzy
• Headache
• Tingly sensation or numbness
• Changes in your sense of taste
• Vision impairment
• Deafness
• Vomiting, stomach pain or other digestion problems
• Skin rashes and itching
• Joint pain
• Fatigue

Disclaimer: This website does not constitute as medical advice, you should also consult with a doctor before taking medication. If you experience any major reactions to any medication you are taking, you must seek immediate medical attention.

To view Azithromycin Patient Leaflet click here.

To view PDF patient leaflet click here.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body. Azithromycin welzo is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Azithromycin welzo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use Azithromycin welzo if you are allergic to it erythromycin or clarithromycin (Biaxin), or if:

- you have ever had jaundice or liver problems caused by taking Azithromycin welzo; or

- you are allergic to similar drugs such as azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pak), clarithromycin (Biaxin), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek).

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

- liver disease;

- kidney disease;

- myasthenia gravis;

- a heart rhythm disorder; or

- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member).

Importance of Taking as Directed

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not take it on schedule, your infection may not improve, and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.

Azithromycin is usually taken for 3 to 5 days. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

To treat gonorrhoea, Azithromycin is usually given as a single dose. If you have chlamydia, Azithromycin is usually taken as a single dose of two pills (1 gram). For other infections, Azithromycin is usually taken once daily.

You may take most forms of Azithromycin with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium within 2 hours before or after you take Azithromycin. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Azithromycin.

Do not save for later use.

Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse within the first few days of treatment. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, Azithromycin may cause a severe heart problem (QT prolongation in the EKG). This could lead to irregular heartbeat and other symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody;

- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); or

- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.