Azithromycin Tablets

Price range: £6.99 through £12.99

Azithromycin Tablets are a prescription antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections including chest infections and STIs with convenient once-daily dosing.
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Clear Start Assessment

Azithromycin Tablets are a prescription antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and non-gonococcal urethritis. It is a macrolide antibiotic known for its once-daily dosing and shorter treatment courses compared to other antibiotics.

How It Works
Azithromycin works by binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, which inhibits protein synthesis and prevents the bacteria from multiplying. This action stops the infection from spreading and gives the immune system a chance to clear the remaining bacteria. The medicine remains in the body for several days, allowing for shorter courses of treatment.

Why Choose Azithromycin Tablets
Azithromycin is a well-established treatment option with proven efficacy against a wide range of bacterial infections. Its unique pharmacokinetics mean it stays active in the body for longer, often allowing for once-daily dosing over just three to five days. This enhances convenience and improves adherence compared to antibiotics requiring multiple daily doses. It is often chosen for its effectiveness, tolerability, and simplicity.

Important Note
Azithromycin should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It may cause QT prolongation in patients with heart rhythm disorders and can interact with medications such as warfarin or statins. It is not suitable for viral infections. Patients should complete the full course as prescribed, even if symptoms improve earlier.

Directions

Please refer to the medication’s patient information leaflet before starting any new medication.

  • Take once daily at the same time each day

  • Can be taken with or without food

  • Swallow whole with water

  • Complete the full prescribed course

  • Store below 25°C

  • Keep in original packaging

  • Keep out of reach of children

Ingredients

Active Ingredient:

  • Azithromycin 250 mg or 500 mg

Other Ingredients:

  • Magnesium stearate

  • Maize starch

  • Sodium phosphate

  • Hypromellose

  • Titanium dioxide

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea or diarrhoea

  • Stomach pain

  • Headache

  • Changes in taste

Serious (rare) side effects:

  • Irregular heartbeat (QT prolongation)

  • Severe skin reactions

  • Liver dysfunction

  • Allergic reaction

Stop the medicine and seek medical attention if serious side effects occur.

Warnings

Do not take Azithromycin if allergic to macrolide antibiotics. Use caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, myasthenia gravis, or heart rhythm issues. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor. Avoid taking antacids within 2 hours of this medicine.

  • Only if advised by your doctor. It’s usually considered safe when needed, but should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
  • It’s best to avoid alcohol during treatment, as it can make side effects like nausea, dizziness, and upset stomach worse.
  • Many people start to feel better within 1 to 2 days, but it’s important to complete the full course to fully clear the infection.
  • Azithromycin can interact with certain drugs, especially those for heart rhythm, antacids, and cholesterol-lowering medicines. Tell your doctor what you're taking.