Macrolides
Azithromycin
Chest infections and sinus infectionsChlamydia and some other sexually transmitted infectionsSkin and soft tissue infectionsWhooping coughSome stomach and bowel infections, such as Campylobacter
Information follows NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance and the BNF.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or cramps and wind
- Headache
- Thrush (vaginal)
How often each one happens varies by medicine and product, so check your leaflet. Many are mild, but ask your pharmacist or doctor if they are troublesome or do not settle.
Less common side effects
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling dizzy or drowsy
- Change in taste
- Mild skin rash
Get medical help straight away if you notice
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing or trouble breathing — call 999
- Palpitations, fainting or feeling faint — azithromycin can affect the heart rhythm in some people
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain (possible liver problem)
- Severe, watery or bloody diarrhoea that will not stop
- Hearing changes or ringing in the ears, usually with long courses or high doses
Taking it safely
- Take it at the same time each day. Follow your leaflet for food instructions, as they depend on the product.
- Course length depends on the infection, usually 3 to 10 days or sometimes a single dose. The medicine stays in your body for several days afterwards.
- Tell your prescriber if you have a heart rhythm problem, low potassium or magnesium, or if you take warfarin, digoxin or antacids.
- Antacids reduce how much azithromycin you absorb — leave at least two hours between them.
- If you are treated for chlamydia, avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex until you and your partners have finished treatment and your sexual health clinic says it is safe.
Report a side effect
You can report any suspected side effect to the UK Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.