Azithromycin is a generic prescription drug used to treat certain bacterial infections. The drug comes as an oral tablet. It’s usually taken once per day.
Azithromycin is used in adults and some children to treat certain kinds of bacterial infections, including:
- chronic bronchitis flare-ups
- sinusitis (sinus infections)
- skin infections
- pharyngitis (sore throat)
- tonsilitis
- community-acquired pneumonia (pneumonia that develops outside of the hospital setting)
- certain types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chancroid
- disseminated mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease (an infection present in people with advanced HIV) when taken with other medications*
Azithromycin belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics.
This article describes the dosages of azithromycin, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more, see this in-depth azithromycin article.
* When taken alone or with other drugs, azithromycin oral tablet may also be used for the prevention of disseminated MAC disease.
This section describes the usual dosages of azithromycin. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s azithromycin’s form?
Azithromycin is available as an oral tablet.
What strengths does azithromycin come in?
- Azithromycin comes in three strengths:
- 250 milligrams (mg)
- 500 mg
- 600 mg
What are the usual dosages of azithromycin in adults?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for chronic bronchitis flare-ups
The typical azithromycin dosage for adults with flare-ups of chronic bronchitis is 500 mg once per day for 3 days. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once per day on days 2 to 5.
Dosage for community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, and skin infections
For adults with community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis, tonsilitis, or skin infections, the typical dosage of azithromycin is 500 mg once on day 1, followed by 250 mg once per day on days 2 to 5.
Dosage for sinusitis
The recommended dosage for adults with sinusitis is 500 mg once per day for 3 days.
Dosage for chancroid
For adults with chancroid, or genital ulcer disease, the recommended dosage of azithromycin is 1,000 mg one time.
Dosage for urethritis and cervicitis
If your infection isn’t related to gonorrhea, the typical dosage for adults with urethritis and cervicitis is 1,000 mg one time. If you’re treating a gonorrheal infection, the recommended dosage is 2,000 mg one time.
Dosage for disseminated mycobacterium avium complex disease
The recommended dosage of azithromycin for prevention of disseminated MAC disease is 1,200 mg once per week. Azithromycin can be taken alone or with other drugs.
The typical dosage of azithromycin for the treatment of disseminated MAC disease is 600 mg once per day. Azithromycin is typically taken with other drugs for this use.
What’s the dosage of azithromycin for children?
Azithromycin is used to help treat the following bacterial infections in children:
- ear infections in children ages 6 months and older
- sinusitis in children ages 6 months and older
- community-acquired pneumonia in children ages 6 months and older
- pharyngitis in children ages 2 years and older
- tonsilitis in children ages 2 years and older
The dosage of azithromycin for children depends on your child’s body weight in kilograms (kg) and the condition being treated. The following table is a dosage chart of azithromycin for children. The dosages are in mg per kg (mg/kg).
| Condition | Typical dosage |
|---|---|
| ear infection | • 30 mg/kg one time, or • 10 mg/kg once per day for 3 days, or • 10 mg/kg one time on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg once per day on days 2 to 5 |
| sinusitis | • 10 mg/kg once per day for 3 days |
| community-acquired pneumonia | • 10 mg/kg one time on day 1, followed by 5 mg/kg once per day on days 2 to 5 |
| pharyngitis and tonsilitis | • 12 mg/kg once per day for 5 days |
For more information about azithromycin’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
How to take azithromycin
You’ll swallow azithromycin oral tablet once per day or as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food.
Swallow azithromycin oral tablets whole. The drugmaker hasn’t specified whether the tablets can be cut, crushed, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is azithromycin used long term?
No, azithromycin is usually a short-term treatment. Your doctor may prescribe azithromycin for up to 5 days.
If you have questions about how long to take azithromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take more azithromycin than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
What to do in case you take too much azithromycin
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much azithromycin. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about azithromycin’s dosage.
Why is azithromycin taken for only 3 days?
The length of time you’ll take azithromycin depends on the type of infection being treated and the severity of your condition. Your doctor may prescribe the drug for up to 5 days. But in many cases, it’s only prescribed for 3 days. This is the case for people with sinusitis or in some cases of chronic bronchitis flare-ups.
Azithromycin is generally taken for shorter periods of time than other antibiotics because it has a long half-life (the time it takes for the concentration of a drug in your body to be reduced by half). Medications are typically cleared from your body after about
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What should I do if I miss a dose of azithromycin?
If you miss a dose of azithromycin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at its regular time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
If you’re not sure whether to take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.