What is azithromycin used for?

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Acute bacterial exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Skin infection
• Sinus infection
• Tonsillitis 
• Strep throat
• Ear infection
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and chancroid (genital ulcer disease)
• Infections of the urethra and cervix
• Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection (a type of lungs infections that usually occurs in human immunodeficiency [HIV] patients)
• Azithromycin can be used off-label (not FDA-approved) to treat cat-scratch disease, pertussis, and endocarditis.

Keep in mind that all of the above infections are bacterial. Azithromycin will not work against viral infections such as common colds, flu, and other viral infections. 

Unnecessary use of azithromycin or any antibiotic will increase your risk of antibiotic-resistant infection. Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of an infection so that you can receive the appropriate treatment. 

There have been studies that include azithromycin as part of a potential combination of therapy for COVID-19. Azithromycin is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of COVID-19. Just like any other infection, azithromycin should be used only under the direction and monitoring of a healthcare provider. Azithromycin should not be used to prevent COVID-19 infection.

How does azithromycin work?

Azithromycin belongs to a class of antibiotics called macrolides that are bacteriostatic. Meaning, azithromycin kills the bacteria by stopping it from multiplying. 

 What is the suggested dosing for azithromycin?

Typical dosing for adults:

• Community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis or tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin/skin structure infection: Take 500 mg by mouth on Day 1, followed by 250 mg by mouth once daily on Days 2 to 5

• Acute bacterial exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease): 

  • Take 500 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days, or
  • Take 500 mg by mouth once daily on Day 1, followed by 250 mg by mouth once daily on Days 2 to 5

• Acute bacterial sinusitis: Take 500 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days

• Chancroid, infections of urethra and cervix, chlamydia: Take 1,000 mg by mouth as a one time dose 

• Gonorrhea: Take 2,000 mg by mouth as a one time dose 

Typical dosing for children who are 6 months old or older (weight-based dosing in kilogram):

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection) for children who are 6 months old or older: 

  • 30 mg/kg by mouth as a one time dose, OR
  • 10 mg/kg by mouth once daily for 3 days, OR
  • 10 mg/kg by mouth once daily on Day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg by mouth once daily on Days 2 to 5

Community-acquired pneumonia for children who are 6 months old or older: 10 mg/kg by mouth on Day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg by mouth on Days 2 to 5

• Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, strep throat for children 2 years or older: 12 mg/kg by mouth once daily for 5 days; not to exceed 500 mg per day. 

Proper medical care provided to your child is vital for their recovery. Always follow the directions of your child’s pediatrician in order to have the most effective therapy for the diagnosis while minimizing adverse effects.  

Common azithromycin doses include:

Oral suspension strength:  15 mL of 100 mg/5mL | 15 mL of 200 mg/5mL | 22.5 mL of 200 mg/5mL | 30 mL of 200 mg/5mL
Oral tablet strength: 250 mg | 500 mg | 600 mg
Packet strength:  1 g
Vial strength: 500 mg
Tri-Pak: 3 tablets of 500 mg
Z-Pak: 6 tablets of 250 mg