Azithromycin – Brands, Strengths and Prices

Key Facts

• Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of susceptible bacteria.
• It is used to treat certain chest, ear, sinus and skin infections, as well as some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia.
• Prescription status: US - prescription-only; UK - prescription-only; Australia - prescription-only.
• Follow the prescribed dose and complete the course.
• Seek emergency medical help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

Azithromycin brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a medication used to treat infections caused by bacteria. It belongs to a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria [1].

It is a prescription only medication and should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor.

How Azithromycin Works

The working mechanism of Azithromycin involves stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. By doing this it prevents the spread of bacteria, allowing the body’s immune system to eliminate the infection effectively [2].

What is Azithromycin Used for?

Azithromycin is used to treat a broad range of bacterial infections, including:

• Chest infections like pneumonia
• Throat, ear and nose infections such as sinus infections
• Skin infections
• Lyme disease
• Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Why is the course only 3 or 5 days?

Azithromycin strengths and forms

Azithromycin is available in different strengths and forms, depending on the product and treatment required. Common tablet strengths include 250 mg and 500 mg, while oral suspensions are also available.

Our product range includes Azithromax 250 mg tablets. The appropriate strength, dosage and duration of treatment are determined by your prescriber based on the infection, your age, medical history and other factors.

How to take azithromycin

• Take it as your doctor tells you.
• It is usually taken once a day; take it at the same time each day.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Finish all the medicine for the number of days your doctor prescribed.
• Swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.
• Do not crush or break the tablet.
• Do not stop taking this antibiotic abruptly.

Side Effects of Azithromycin

Who should not take Azithromycin

Azithromycin is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you have [3]:

• Ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin or any other medicine
• Liver or kidney problems
• Heart problems, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia)
• Ever had diarrhoea when you have taken antibiotics before
• Myasthenia gravis - azithromycin can make the symptoms of this muscle-weakening condition worse

Possible Interactions - Medicines, Food and Drinks

Some medicines when combined with azithromycin can cause drug interactions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start azithromycin if you are taking any other medicines, including:

• Antacids for indigestion
• Dihydroergotamine or ergotamine used for migraine
• Medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots, such as dabigatran and warfarin
• Hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, medicines for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
• Ciclosporin or tacrolimus, medicines used to stop your immune system overreacting
• Colchicine, used for gout and some other inflammatory conditions
• Digoxin for heart problems
• Rifabutin, an antibiotic
• A statin used to lower your cholesterol, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin

Azithromycin vs amoxicillin and doxycycline

Azithromycin, amoxicillin and doxycycline belong to different groups of antibiotics and are used to treat different bacterial infections. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, amoxicillin is a penicillin, and doxycycline is a tetracycline. Azithromycin may be prescribed as an alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin depending on the infection. It is often prescribed as a short course of 3 to 5 days, although the duration may vary. Amoxicillin and doxycycline have different uses, precautions and dosing schedules.

The best choice among the three depends on the type of infection, medical history and bacterial susceptibility. Therefore always consult your healthcare provider to decide which antibiotic is best for your condition.

Azithromycin in the US, UK and Australia

In the table below we have highlighted the brand names of Azithromycin, how it is supplied and the regulatory authorities responsible for its approval in the UK, US and Australia.

How to Order Azithromycin Online with a Prescription

Prashi Pharma is a digital pharmaceutical supply platform that makes accessing medicines online more convenient. Below are the steps to order medicines on our online platform.

1. Select the brand and strength of the medication that matches your prescription.
2. Submit your prescription during checkout.
3. A registered pharmacist will review the prescription before dispensing the order.
4. Once approved, your order is dispatched in discreet packaging.

How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy

Sources

1. Azithromycin, MedlinePlus
2. Azithromycin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & UK Guide, UK Meds
3. Who can and cannot take azithromycin, NHS.UK