Azithromycin: Uses, How to Take It, Side Effects, and Warnings
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, including infections of the lungs, throat, skin, and some sexually transmitted infections. It does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or flu, and taking it when it is not needed can cause harm or antibiotic resistance.
Take azithromycin exactly as prescribed, and do not stop early unless a clinician tells you to. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have health conditions, take other medicines, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- J01FA10
- Generic
- Azithromycin
- Class
- macrolide
- Brands
- Zithromax, Z-Pack
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 68
- Onset (min)
- 120
- Routes
- oral, iv
- Forms
- tablet, oral-suspension, injection
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- cardiac-qt, hepatic
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 500mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
generalno specific adjustment
use only if benefits outweigh risks, avoid in first trimester when possible
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless absolutely necessary for serious infection
fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding, CDC considers azithromycin safe
none required
geriatric
elderlyno specific dose adjustment
use with caution due to increased risk of QT prolongation and cardiac arrhythmias
monitor cardiac function and electrolytes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing required
commonly prescribed for children over 6 months, follow pediatric dosing guidelines
monitor for gastrointestinal side effects
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentno dose adjustment for mild to moderate impairment
use with caution in severe renal impairment, consider dose reduction if needed
monitor renal function during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severeno established dose adjustment
use with caution, monitor liver function tests
monitor hepatic function during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Azithromycin
Drug class
Antibiotic classification based on chemical structure
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Molecular mechanism of action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy