Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.
Dosage and how to take azithromycin
Dosage and strength
Azithromycin comes as tablets, capsules and liquid. The liquid is available for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.
Azithromycin tablets come in strengths of 250mg or 500mg. The capsules are 250mg. The liquid comes as 200mg in 5ml.
The usual adult dose is 500mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated.
For some infections, you'll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g.
The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.
Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long-term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case you will usually need to take it 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Important
Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back.
How to take it
You'll usually take azithromycin once a day. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.
Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.
If you're taking azithromycin capsules or tablets, take them at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating. If you're taking it as liquid, you can take it with or without food.
The liquid can have a bitter aftertaste, so it can be a good idea to offer children a drink of fruit juice afterwards.
If you, or your child, are taking azithromycin as a liquid, your pharmacist will usually make it up for you. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or medicine spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
If you’re taking antacid medicines for indigestion or heartburn, take azithromycin at least 1 hour before the antacid or at least 2 hours after. Antacids can affect how much azithromycin your body takes in.
If you forget to take it
If you forget a dose of azithromycin, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking an extra dose of azithromycin is unlikely to harm you or your child. It may, however, increase the chance of temporary side effects, such as feeling or being sick or diarrhoea.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.
Urgent advice: Call 111 for advice now if:
- you or your child take more than 1 extra dose of azithromycin
Call 111 or get help from 111 online
Call 111 if you're asking about a child under 5 years old.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the azithromycin packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.