Azith (Azithromycin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Azith Used For?
Azith contains azithromycin, an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called azalides, which are a subclass of macrolide antibiotics.
Primary Uses
Azith is used to treat pneumonia, a lung infection caused by certain bacteria.
How It Works
It works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria causing your infection. Azith will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Azith is addictive.
How to Take Azith
Azith is given as a slow intravenous infusion by a doctor or trained nurse in a hospital setting.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose of Azith is 500 mg given over 60 minutes for 2 to 5 days. Your doctor will decide the exact amount and length of treatment. This treatment may be followed by a course of oral antibiotics.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Azith is given by healthcare professionals in a hospital, missing doses is unlikely. If you have concerns about your treatment schedule, speak with your doctor or nurse.
Important: Do not stop treatment with Azith without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, the infection may not clear completely or may return.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- pain at injection site
- oral or vaginal thrush
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- altered taste or smell
- abnormal hearing
- muscle pain
- stomach pain
- constipation
- indigestion
- dizziness
- headache
- spinning sensation
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- restlessness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe diarrhea (especially with blood and mucus)
- aggression, nervousness, agitation, anxiety
- chest pain
- palpitations
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
- convulsions
- fainting
- rash, itching, or hives
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, or body
- severe sunburn symptoms
- decreased skin sensitivity
- blisters or ulcers on skin, mouth, or airways
- fever
- numbness or weakness
- trouble speaking, understanding, or walking
- loss of balance
- lack of coordination
- altered vision
- dark urine or blood in urine or bowel motions
- jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
Important Warnings
There are important warnings you should know before receiving Azith treatment.
Who Should Not Take Azith
You should not receive Azith if you have ever had an allergic reaction to azithromycin, any other ketolide or macrolide antibiotic (such as roxithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin), or citric acid.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems including abnormal heart rhythm, muscle weakness, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Do not breastfeed without discussing the risks with your doctor.
Allergic Reactions: Symptoms of allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Azith and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
Contraception: Talk to your doctor about the need for additional contraception while receiving Azith.
- antacids (for indigestion)
- colchicine (for gout)
- coumarin-type oral anticoagulants (blood thinners)
- ciclosporin (immune system medicine)
- atorvastatin (cholesterol medicine)
- digoxin (heart medicine)
- ergot derivatives like ergotamine (migraine medicine)
- terfenadine or astemizole (allergy medicines)
- zidovudine (AIDS medicine)
- heart rhythm medicines (amiodarone, disopyramide, ibutilide, sotalol)
- antipsychotic medicines (haloperidol, quetiapine, risperidone)
- antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine)
- fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin)
Alcohol & Driving
While receiving Azith treatment, there are some precautions to consider regarding activities and sun exposure.
Alcohol
No specific information is available about alcohol interactions with Azith.
Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, be careful as Azith may cause side effects such as dizziness that could affect these abilities.
Sun Exposure
Protect your skin when in the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm. Wear protective clothing and use 30+ sunscreen. Azith may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, potentially causing rash, itching, redness, or severe sunburn.
Storage
Azith is stored in the pharmacy or hospital ward under proper conditions. Hospital staff will dispose of any leftover medication.
Overdose Information
Since Azith is given in a hospital under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience side effects, especially abnormal hearing, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If not in hospital, go to the nearest emergency department or call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should talk to your doctor if symptoms of your infection do not improve within a few days or if they become worse.
No, there is no evidence that Azith is addictive.
Do not stop treatment with Azith without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, all organisms causing your infection may not be killed, and the infection may not clear completely or may return.
Tell your doctor immediately if you get severe diarrhea, even if it happens several weeks after treatment has stopped. This may indicate a serious bowel condition requiring urgent medical care.
Be very careful in the sun. Azith may make your skin much more sensitive to sunlight. Wear protective clothing and use 30+ sunscreen, especially between 10 am and 3 pm.
Tell your doctor if you get a sore, white mouth or tongue, or vaginal itching or discharge. These may be signs of thrush, a yeast infection that can occur during antibiotic treatment.
Azith is given as a slow intravenous infusion (drip) into a vein by a doctor or nurse over about 60 minutes in a hospital setting.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.