Azithral; Zithromax (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
250 mg, 500 mg tablets; suspension strengths vary by product.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic prescribed for certain bacterial infections — including respiratory, ear, and skin infections — when the bacteria are likely to respond. It does not work on colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not take azithromycin if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic. Tell your doctor about any history of serious liver problems linked to this medicine.
Important precautions
Take the full course your doctor prescribes. Before starting, let your doctor know about any heart rhythm problems, electrolyte issues, liver disease, or other medicines you take.
Common side effects
Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Get urgent medical help if you faint, notice a fast or irregular heartbeat, develop a severe allergic reaction, have severe or lasting diarrhoea, or notice yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Important interactions
Azithromycin can interact with warfarin, digoxin, and medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT interval). Ask your pharmacist to check your full medicine list before you start.
Allergy considerations
Avoid azithromycin if you have had a serious reaction to it or another macrolide. Check the inactive ingredients of your specific product if you have known allergies.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Talk to your doctor before taking azithromycin in pregnancy. The right choice depends on the infection and what alternatives are available — do not self-start antibiotics.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking azithromycin while breastfeeding, especially if your baby is newborn, premature, or has medical needs.
Children and older adults
Children need an age- and weight-appropriate product. Never use adult tablets as a substitute for a paediatric formulation without professional guidance.
Storage
Store in the original packaging as directed. Liquid suspensions may have specific storage conditions and expiry after opening — always keep medicines out of reach of children.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions on your prescription leaflet or ask your pharmacist. Never take two doses at once or extend treatment on your own.
Overdose
If you think you or someone else has taken too much, seek medical advice immediately. Large amounts can cause severe stomach upset and heart rhythm problems.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Azithral; Zithromax (brand availability varies by market)
Dosage form
Tablet
Strength
250 mg, 500 mg tablets; suspension strengths vary by product.
Prescription classification
Prescription only (Schedule H / verified)
Approved routes of administration
Oral
Applies to
IN; product status and availability may vary by jurisdiction
Approved indications
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic prescribed for certain bacterial infections — including respiratory, ear, and skin infections — when the bacteria are likely to respond. It does not work on colds, flu, or other viral illnesses.
Contraindications (do not use if…)
Do not take azithromycin if you have had a serious allergic reaction to it, erythromycin, or any macrolide antibiotic. Tell your doctor about any history of serious liver problems linked to this medicine.
Important precautions
Take the full course your doctor prescribes. Before starting, let your doctor know about any heart rhythm problems, electrolyte issues, liver disease, or other medicines you take.
Common side effects
Common side effects include diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting.
Serious side effects — seek urgent medical care
Get urgent medical help if you faint, notice a fast or irregular heartbeat, develop a severe allergic reaction, have severe or lasting diarrhoea, or notice yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Important interactions
Azithromycin can interact with warfarin, digoxin, and medicines that affect heart rhythm (QT interval). Ask your pharmacist to check your full medicine list before you start.
Allergy considerations
Avoid azithromycin if you have had a serious reaction to it or another macrolide. Check the inactive ingredients of your specific product if you have known allergies.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Talk to your doctor before taking azithromycin in pregnancy. The right choice depends on the infection and what alternatives are available — do not self-start antibiotics.
Information
Lactation safety
Use with caution — see notes
Notes
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking azithromycin while breastfeeding, especially if your baby is newborn, premature, or has medical needs.
Children and older adults
Children need an age- and weight-appropriate product. Never use adult tablets as a substitute for a paediatric formulation without professional guidance.
Storage
Store in the original packaging as directed. Liquid suspensions may have specific storage conditions and expiry after opening — always keep medicines out of reach of children.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, follow the instructions on your prescription leaflet or ask your pharmacist. Never take two doses at once or extend treatment on your own.
Overdose
If you think you or someone else has taken too much, seek medical advice immediately. Large amounts can cause severe stomach upset and heart rhythm problems.
If you suspect an overdose or accidental poisoning:
contact your local emergency services or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
