Azithromycin Anhydrous
Azithromycin Anhydrous is an azalide antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It is commonly prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, ear infections, and certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections by stopping bacterial growth.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1299904
- Generic
- Azithromycin Anhydrous
- Class
- pin-variant
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
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 twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesternone
safe for use when indicated for bacterial infections
standard prenatal care
pregnancy
third trimesternone
safe for use when indicated
standard prenatal care
lactation
breastfeedingnone
compatible with breastfeeding - minimal transfer to breast milk
monitor infant for GI disturbances
geriatric
elderlynone
use with caution in patients with cardiac conditions - may prolong QT interval
monitor cardiac rhythm in high-risk patients
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 6 monthsweight-based dosing required
not recommended for infants under 6 months except for specific indications
monitor for GI symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 months to 12 yearsweight-based dosing
use age and weight-appropriate dosing
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderatenone
no dose adjustment needed for CrCl greater than 10 mL/min
standard renal function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
use with caution in hepatic impairment - monitor liver function
regular liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
FDA approval year for Azithromycin
Drug class
Antibiotic classification system
Common uses
Common therapeutic applications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacodynamic mechanism
Treats respiratory infections (pneumonia, bronchitis), sinus infections, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia; also used for travelers' diarrhea in some cases.
Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, inhibiting protein synthesis and preventing bacterial growth. It has a longer half-life than other macrolides, allowing for shorter treatment courses.
Take as directed for the full course even if symptoms improve. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Inform your doctor of any heart conditions or liver problems before use. May interact with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium.
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 August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy