Azithromycin

What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. It can be taken by adults and children for different conditions.

It is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of chlamydia. However, Azithromycin can also be prescribed for the likes of chest infections and Lyme disease.

You need a prescription to buy Azithromycin.

What is Azithromycin used to treat?

Azithromycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning it can be prescribed to treat a number of different conditions caused by bacteria.

This medication is a common treatment for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia.

Other conditions Azithromycin can be used to treat include:

• Lyme disease
• Sinus infections
• Skin infections
• Chest infections like pneumonia
• Nose and throat infections

Azithromycin can be prescribed for children to treat infections of the ear or chest.

Why is Azithromycin prescribed to treat chlamydia?

Clinical studies showed that Azithromycin is more than 95% effective at treating chlamydia if taken properly. 

How does Azithromycin treat chlamydia?

Azithromycin belongs to a group of medicines called macrolide antibiotics.

This type of antibiotic works to treat infections by stopping the bacteria that causes them from reproducing. This means that the bacteria cannot spread, so your immune system is able to fight the infection effectively.

Who can take Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is safe for both adults and children, but it is not suitable for everyone to take.

Speak to your doctor before taking this medication if:

• You have any liver or kidney problems
• You have had diarrhoea while taking other antibiotics in the past
• You have heart problems, including an irregular heartbeat
• You have had an allergic reaction to Azithromycin or any other medication in the past
• You have diabetes
• You have myasthenia gravis (Azithromycin can make this illness's symptoms worse)
• You have low blood levels of potassium or magnesium

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may be prescribed a different medication. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding.

This list is not exhaustive. The patient information leaflet will provide a full list of reasons why Azithromycin may not be suitable for you.

Can you buy Azithromycin over the counter?

Azithromycin is only available to purchase on prescription, so cannot be bought over the counter. 

Can you buy Azithromycin online in the UK?

Yes, you can buy Azithromycin online in the UK from Medicine Direct. This medicine is prescription-only, so before your order is approved, you will first need to complete a confidential online consultation. Your answers will be reviewed by one of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers, who will assess your condition to make sure that Azithromycin is a suitable treatment.

Order by 2pm and we can offer you next day delivery of your medicine.

For your safety, you should not order any type of medicine online unless it is from a regulated pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. Full details of the medical authorities that regulate our pharmacy can be seen on the About Us page.

Azithromycin alternatives

Doxycycline is the most common alternative to Azithromycin when it comes to chlamydia treatment. It is the primary treatment for this infection.

Doxycycline is a one-week course of treatment for chlamydia and is also a prescription-only medicine (POM).