Azithromycin

Azithromycin, sometimes known by the brand name Zithromax, is an antibiotic that is used to treat multiple bacterial infections. It was approved by the EMA in the 80s and has since become available in many different forms, including tablets, liquid and eye drops.

It works by preventing the bacterial cells from multiplying. This process eventually kills the bacteria and treats the infection.

It is most commonly prescribed to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including:

• chlamydia
• gonorrhoea
• non-specific urethritis (NSU)
• ureaplasma urealyticum
• mycoplasma genitalium (when taken with Doxycycline).

It can also treat other bacterial infections, including middle ear infections, pneumonia and strep throat.

You can order Azithromycin at euroClinix to treat chlamydia, ureaplasma urealyticum and NSU.

According to clinical guidelines, Azithromycin must be taken with Doxycycline to treat Mycoplasma genitalium. Find out more about our Mycoplasma genitalium treatment pack.

Note: Azithromycin is generally recommended as a second-line treatment for STIs if the first-line treatment Doxycycline hasn’t worked.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, which means it targets the bacteria causing the infection.

• Protein synthesis is a process that involves the essential growth of essential proteins for the bacteria to thrive.
• The mechanism of action of Azithromycin specifically prevents protein synthesis.
• This stops the bacteria from being able to reproduce, grow and multiply.
• This means the bacteria cannot survive and the infection will be cleared.

This is how Azithromycin treats infections and any symptoms.

Azithromycin has unique benefits when it comes to treating STIs.

Research shows that Azithromycin is an effective treatment for STIs when used correctly.

One study looked at how effective Azithromycin was when treating chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

A more recent study also compared Azithromycin and Doxycycline treatment for chlamydia. They found that 97% of people who took Azithromycin were completely treated for chlamydia, and there was no significant difference between Azithromycin and Doxycycline.

However, unfortunately, Azithromycin resistance has increased. A report released by the UK Health Security Agency in 2023 found that Azithromycin resistance to gonorrhoea had increased from 15.1% to 20.4%. So, this is why it is only prescribed if another antibiotic is unsuitable.

Azithromycin is suitable for most people. However, you should always ask your doctor if you have another medical condition or take any other medication.

Who can use it

You can take Azithromycin if you have tested positive for an STI such as chlamydia or NSU and Doxycycline (the first-line treatment) has not worked.

Azithromycin is more susceptible to antibiotic resistance and therefore is generally offered as a second-line treatment.

Who cannot use it

Do not take Azithromycin if you are:

• allergic to Azithromycin
• allergic to other macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin or clarithromycin)
• allergic to any of the other ingredients in Azithromycin

Cautions

Azithromycin may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions, as they may be at an increased risk of side effects.

Consult your doctor if you:

• have electrolyte disturbances
• are at risk of QT interval prolongation (a type of irregular heart rhythm)
• have Myasthenia gravis (a chronic condition that causes muscle weakness)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have lactose intolerance

They will need to ensure the medicine is safe for you to take. Our consultation process at euroClinix also allows our doctors to determine whether Azithromycin is safe for you.

You must take Azithromycin exactly as prescribed to ensure you treat the infection completely and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

What dose do I take?

Azithromycin is available as a 500 mg dose. The treatment course for chlamydia, ureaplasma and non-specific urethritis only lasts for 3 days.

When do I take it?

These instructions are for chlamydia, ureaplasma and non-specific urethritis. If you are taking Azithromycin for anything else, follow the instructions from your GP or consult the patient information leaflet.

How do I take it

Swallow each tablet with half a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or split tablets. Azithromycin can be taken with or without food.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, skip the missed dose if it’s nearly time for your next dose. Doses should be at least 12 hours apart.

Do not take a double dose to account for a missed dose.

You must take Azithromycin for 3 days to treat the infection completely. This is how long Azithromycin takes to work. Do not stop taking it sooner, even if you start to feel better.

It’s essential you take Azithromycin exactly as prescribed. This is because Azithromycin is prone to antibiotic resistance. This means the treatment may not work or become less effective against the bacteria over time.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Stopping treatment early could cause the infection to come back and the antibiotics to become less effective over time.

Like all prescription medicines, Azithromycin may cause side effects.

Common side effects

These side effects should often go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Uncommon side effects

Rare side effects

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

Consult your doctor if you experience any side effects that don’t go away, get worse or worry you.

How to manage side effects

How to reduce side effects of Azithromycin

	Take probiotics Antibiotics disrupt the balance of good bacteria, so this can cause conditions like thrush. Taking probiotics helps to supplement good bacteria and keep infections at bay.
	Eat more fibre A common side effect is constipation. Incorporating more fibre into your diet can help naturally improve your bowel movements. Good sources of fibre include whole grains, fruits, legumes, vegetables and nuts & seeds.
	Stay hydrated If you are sick or have diarrhoea, you must stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids or get rehydration salts from your local pharmacy.
	Ask your pharmacist Your pharmacist can help relieve certain common side effects like headache, diarrhoea, thrush or constipation. They can recommend short-term solutions that are safe for you.

Azithromycin may interact with other medicines you take. If you take any of these medicines, your doctor may need to monitor you or alter the medicines you are currently taking.

Azithromycin can increase the risk of bleeding events when taken with certain blood thinners, such as:

• Acenocoumarol
• Phenindione
• Warfarin

Azithromycin can increase the effects of certain medicines when taken together, such as:

• certain anticoagulants (Apixaban, Digoxin, Dabigatran and Edoxaban)
• HIV medicines
• Berotralstat (used to prevent attacks of inherited angioedema)
• Colchicine (used to treat gout)
• Ticagrelor (an antiplatelet medicine which prevents serious heart conditions)
• certain drugs used to treat cancer
• certain high blood pressure medicines (Aliskiren and Nadolol)
• oral medicines for asthma (Aminophylline and Theophylline)
• Fidaxomicin (an antibiotic often used to treat C.diff infections)
• Lomitapide (used to treat inherited high cholesterol)
• Rimegepant (used to treat migraine)
• Tigecycline (an antibiotic used to treat complex skin or stomach infections)

Azithromycin can increase the risk of heart problems when taken with:

• Chloroquine (used to prevent malaria)
• Hydroxychloroquine (used to treat inflammation and swelling)

Azithromycin can increase the risk of neutropenia (low levels of a type of white blood cells) when taken with Rifabutin, which is a type of antibiotic.

For a full list of interactions, click here.

Storage

Store below 25°C and avoid direct sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

You should also not use it past the expiry date. You can see the expiry date on the medicine carton after EXP. The date refers to the last day of the month.

Keep the medicine in its original packaging so you do not lose the expiry date.

Disposal

You should take any unused or expired Azithromycin to a pharmacy to dispose of it. Do not dispose of it in the general waste or by flushing it down the toilet. This harms the environment.

No, Azithromycin is a prescription-only medication and you cannot buy it over the counter. You need a valid prescription from a healthcare professional to purchase it. This ensures the medication is safe and suitable for your needs.

You can receive an online prescription from euroClinix.

Ordering Azithromycin online from euroClinix is convenient.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
2. UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
3. Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
4. Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.

Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of UK users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

• Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
• Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
• A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
• Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

The price of Azithromycin at euroClinix includes everything you need:

• Free online consultation with our experienced doctors
• Free prescription, if approved
• Free delivery straight to your door

Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.

The only alternative to Azithromycin is Doxycycline.

Doxycycline is the first-line treatment for chlamydia, ureaplasma urealyticum and NSU. It is the recommended treatment unless you cannot take Doxycycline or it has not worked for you.

If you have not tried any antibiotic for an STI, you should try Doxycycline first.