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Azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia). It is also sometimes prescribed off-label (outside its licence) for traveller's diarrhoea (which causes loose stools and abdominal cramps). It kills the bacteria that cause both these medical conditions. It's for adults and adolescents weighing 45 kg or more, and contains the active ingredient azithromycin.
- Antibiotics that treat bacterial infections
- Used to treat chlamydia, and off-label for traveller's diarrhoea
- Prescription-only antibiotic
Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It is not licensed in the UK to treat travellers' diarrhoea, but a prescriber may prescribe it for this off-label (outside its licence). It belongs to a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics Symptoms usually begin to clear after a few days.
Do not take azithromycin if you are allergic to azithromycin, erythromycin, any other macrolide or ketolide antibiotic, or any of the other ingredients.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you have heart problems (such as heart rhythm problems) or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood, liver problems, myasthenia gravis, or have had severe diarrhoea after taking other antibiotics. Ergot derivatives such as ergotamine (used for migraine) should not be taken with azithromycin. Also tell them if you take warfarin or other blood thinners, digoxin, ciclosporin, colchicine, statins, or medicines that can affect your heart rhythm (QT prolongation).
There is always a risk of side effects with all medications. Some of these can be quite mild and can subside over time. Others are more serious and should be reported to your GP right away if you experience any side effects. Please contact a member of our team if you are concerned about any potential side effects that may occur when taking azithromycin.
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include:
- Diarrhoea
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) include:
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include:
- Flushing of the skin
- Dizziness
You should stop taking this medication immediately if you show any signs of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or talking, swelling of the tongue, and/or rash.
How can I tell the Azithromycin tablets are working?
Without treatment, the symptoms of diarrhoea will typically last 3-4 days, whereas taking azithromycin will reduce this time to just 1-2 days. If your symptoms persist after two days, contact a healthcare professional.
Do I need to continue the course even if I feel better?
Azithromycin is taken as a short, fixed course. Take the full course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better, and do not extend it. If your symptoms have not improved by the end of the course, contact a healthcare professional.
Can I drink alcohol whilst taking azithromycin?
No, you should avoid alcohol as this can decrease the effectiveness of this medication.
Leaflets
Before you buy Azithromycin online or any medicines, regardless of whether they are over-the-counter or prescription-only, it is essential always to read the patient information leaflet.
