Azithromycin

Antibiotic (macrolide)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Azithromycin is a antibiotic (macrolide) found in 14 medicines sold in India, such as Azithral 500, Azee 500, Zathrin 500. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Treats chest, throat, ear, skin and some sexually transmitted infections.

How it works

A macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria making proteins. It stays in the tissues for days, so courses are short (often 3 to 5 days).

How to take it

Usually 500 mg once a day for 3 days, or 500 mg then 250 mg for 4 days. Tablets can be taken with or without food; take the liquid on an empty stomach.

Common side effects

  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache

Get medical help straight away if

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat or fainting
  • Yellow skin
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Allergic reaction

Be careful

Finish the course. Can affect heart rhythm in some people.

Other medicines and interactions

Raises risk of heart rhythm problems with other QT-prolonging medicines (some antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, ondansetron). Aluminium or magnesium antacids reduce absorption.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed.

Brands of Azithromycin (14)

Azax 250Azax 500Azee 250Azee 500Azibact-500Azicip 500Azifast 500Azikem 500Azilide-500Azithral 250Azithral 500Aziwok-500Zady-500Zathrin 500

Common questions

What is Azithromycin used for?

Treats chest, throat, ear, skin and some sexually transmitted infections.

How does Azithromycin work?

A macrolide antibiotic that stops bacteria making proteins. It stays in the tissues for days, so courses are short (often 3 to 5 days).

How should I take Azithromycin?

Usually 500 mg once a day for 3 days, or 500 mg then 250 mg for 4 days. Tablets can be taken with or without food; take the liquid on an empty stomach.

What are the side effects of Azithromycin?

Common: Diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pain, headache. Get help straight away for: Fast or irregular heartbeat or fainting, yellow skin, severe diarrhoea, allergic reaction.

Does Azithromycin interact with other medicines?

Raises risk of heart rhythm problems with other QT-prolonging medicines (some antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, ondansetron). Aluminium or magnesium antacids reduce absorption.

Is Azithromycin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed.

Does Azithromycin need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Azithromycin?

Azax 250, Azax 500, Azee 250, Azee 500, Azibact-500, Azicip 500, Azifast 500, Azikem 500, Azilide-500, Azithral 250, Azithral 500, Aziwok-500, Zady-500, Zathrin 500.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.