Azithromycin
Rx Antibiotic
GenericAzithromycin
Therapeutic ClassMacrolide Antibiotic
Common Dose250–500 mg daily
Typical Duration3–5 days
PregnancyCategory B
Indications ▼
Upper respiratory tract infections
Lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia
Acute bacterial sinusitis
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis (penicillin allergy)
Skin and soft tissue infections
Sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia
Typhoid fever (alternative therapy)
Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼
Mechanism: Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and bacterial growth.
Action: Primarily bacteriostatic, bactericidal at high concentrations.
Absorption: Rapid oral absorption; food slightly reduces peak concentration.
Distribution: Extensive tissue penetration with high intracellular concentration.
Half-life: Prolonged (40–68 hours) allowing short-course therapy.
Elimination: Mainly biliary; minimal renal excretion.
Dosage & Administration ▼
| Indication | Recommended Dose |
|---|---|
| Respiratory infections | 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days |
| Alternative regimen | 500 mg once daily for 3 days |
| Chlamydia | 1 g single oral dose |
| Children | 10 mg/kg day 1, then 5 mg/kg/day |
May be taken with or without food.
Complete full prescribed course.
Side Effects ▼
Common: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Occasional: Headache, dizziness, vomiting
Rare: QT prolongation, arrhythmia, hepatotoxicity
Contraindications ▼
Hypersensitivity to macrolide antibiotics
History of cholestatic jaundice with azithromycin
Severe liver impairment (use with caution)
Drug Interaction ▼
Antacids reduce absorption if taken simultaneously
QT-prolonging drugs increase arrhythmia risk
Warfarin: may enhance anticoagulant effect
Digoxin levels may increase
Pregnancy & Lactation ▼
Pregnancy Category B
Generally considered safe in pregnancy when indicated
Excreted in breast milk in small amounts
Compatible with breastfeeding under medical advice
Clinical / Research Summary ▼
Widely used for community-acquired respiratory infections.
Short-course therapy improves patient adherence.
Effective against atypical pathogens such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia.
Clinical studies confirm comparable efficacy to longer beta-lactam regimens.
Resistance development highlights importance of rational antibiotic use.
Patient Counseling Points ▼
Take at the same time each day.
Do not skip doses or stop early.
Avoid antacids within 2 hours.
Report palpitations or fainting immediately.
Not effective for viral infections.
Storage & Handling ▼
Store below 30°C
Protect from moisture and light
Reconstituted suspension usable for limited days (as per label)
Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼
Bangladesh:
Global:
AziproZithromax
Azithromycin Teva
Azithromycin Sandoz
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.
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