Azithromycin Antibiotic: Tablets and Oral Suspension

What Azithromycin Is and How It Works

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat many bacterial infections. It is available as azithromycin tablets in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths, and as azithromycin oral suspension for children. Many courses are short, such as the well-known azithromycin Z‑Pak® regimen. Azithromycin works by stopping bacterial protein synthesis, which slows growth and helps the immune system clear the infection.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy based in Manitoba that follows Canadian pharmacy standards. Prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing, and we offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices with US shipping. We partner with licensed, vetted international pharmacies to keep authentic medicines available at affordable prices and with a broad selection.

Common uses include community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial sinusitis, some cases of bronchitis, skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. It may be used for strep throat in people who cannot take penicillin, but penicillins remain first line. Azithromycin is not usually used for urinary tract infection because of resistance patterns in common urinary bacteria. This page covers human use only.

Dosage and Usage

Course length and dosing depend on infection type and local guidelines. Tablets are swallowed once daily, with or without food. The suspension is measured with an oral syringe or dosing spoon. Always follow the directions on your prescription label.

• Typical adult dosing patterns include 500 mg once on day 1, then 250 mg once daily on days 2–5 (the Z‑Pak® pattern), or 500 mg once daily for 3 days.
• For some infections, a single 1,000 mg dose may be prescribed.
• Pediatric dosing uses weight-based azithromycin suspension.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.

Do not crush extended-release forms if prescribed. Space doses at the same time each day for steady levels. Do not share antibiotics or save leftovers.

Storage and travel tips:

• Store tablets at room temperature (20–25°C) in a dry place.
• Keep suspension at room temperature, and discard any unused after the labeled time window.
• Keep in the original container with the label for travel.
• Protect from heat, moisture, and direct sun.
• Pack medicines in carry-on baggage when flying.

Benefits and Savings

Azithromycin covers many respiratory pathogens, including atypical bacteria. Once-daily dosing is convenient. Short courses often support good adherence. The long tissue half-life allows continued effect after the last dose. For those comparing azithromycin price options, YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing with US shipping. Many customers see 60–80% savings versus typical US retail pharmacies, depending on strength and quantity.

You can order online or by phone, and our customer-service chat is available during posted office hours for order support. Pharmacists are available to address medication questions.

Side Effects and Safety

Most people tolerate azithromycin well. Gastrointestinal effects are the most common and usually mild. Serious effects are uncommon but need urgent care if they occur. Read the patient leaflet that comes with your medicine.

• Common: nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, taste changes.
• Less common: mild rash, dizziness, fatigue, photosensitivity.
• Serious: severe allergic reaction (swelling, trouble breathing), severe rash, liver problems (yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine), irregular heartbeat, fainting, hearing changes, severe diarrhea due to C. difficile.

Azithromycin can prolong the QT interval in rare cases. Caution is needed with a personal history of QT prolongation, known arrhythmias, low potassium or magnesium, or use of other QT‑prolonging drugs. Important interactions include warfarin, digoxin, some antiarrhythmics, certain antipsychotics, and other macrolides. Statin interactions are less than with clarithromycin but still possible. Review all medicines and supplements with a healthcare professional before starting therapy. For a broader view on interactions, see our article Drug Interactions The Top Interactions That Should Be On Your Radar.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Azithromycin has been widely used in pregnancy when clearly needed. Human data have not shown a pattern of harm. During breastfeeding, small amounts pass into milk. Monitor the infant for loose stools or rash. Discuss risks and benefits with the prescriber.

Onset Time

Azithromycin begins working soon after the first dose. Symptom improvement is often noticed within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the infection and severity. Finish the full course even if you feel better, so the infection clears and resistance risk stays lower.

Compare With Alternatives

For many Bacterial Infections, more than one antibiotic can be appropriate. Choice depends on the suspected organism, local resistance, patient allergies, and site of infection.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline-class option often used for respiratory infections, acne, and tick-borne diseases. It is taken once or twice daily and can be an alternative if macrolides are not suitable. You can compare with Doxycycline Mr to see differences in dosing.

Tetracycline is an older option with broader resistance in some regions, but it still has roles in certain infections. It requires multiple daily doses and specific timing around meals. Learn more at Tetracycline.

Amoxicillin or amoxicillin/clavulanate may be first line for strep throat, ear infections, or sinusitis in many cases. Clarithromycin® is another macrolide, but it has more drug interactions than azithromycin. For historical context on antibiotic development, read First The Toothbrush Then Penicillin Discovery Use And Types.

Combination Therapy

Azithromycin can be used alone or with other antibiotics when guidelines call for broader coverage. Examples include combinations for severe community-acquired pneumonia or certain gastrointestinal infections. Current sexually transmitted infection guidance often favors other combinations due to resistance trends. The prescriber chooses the safest and most effective plan based on culture results, local patterns, and patient factors.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Azithromycin may be appropriate for adults and children with bacterial respiratory infections, some skin infections, and specific STIs, when culture data or guidelines support its use. It is not helpful for the common cold, flu, or COVID‑19. People with a known macrolide allergy, significant liver disease, or a history of certain arrhythmias may need another option. Those with myasthenia gravis may experience worsening symptoms with macrolides.

Azithromycin 250 mg uses often include step-down dosing or pediatric conversions, while azithromycin 500 mg uses are common for pneumonia and sinusitis. The suspension is useful when swallowing tablets is difficult. Pack sizes and azithromycin cost vary by strength. Short courses limit total expense. If you need a refill for travel or future use under a standing plan, we offer friendly reorder reminders by request.

We also carry over-the-counter health products that support recovery and comfort. For surface disinfection needs, you can view Isopropyl. For guidance on broader infection topics, explore our condition pages and articles as needed.

Authoritative Sources

See the manufacturer and regulator references for detailed safety and dosing information:

• Pfizer Zithromax Product Information
• Health Canada Drug Product Database: Azithromycin
• FDA Prescribing Information for Azithromycin

You can order azithromycin tablets or suspension from YouDrugstore with US shipping. Our team supports you from checkout to delivery, and our pharmacists can address medication questions. We offer prompt, express, cold-chain shipping for temperature-sensitive items where needed.

This content is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Use medications only as prescribed for you.