What does it do?
Azithromycin is used to treat genital infections due to chlamydia.
How should you take it?
Take 2 azithromycin 500 mg tablets as directed with a glass of water. It is important to take both the tablets together at the same time.
Can you take other medicines?
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products or recreational drugs.
What side effects might you notice?
Most people do not notice any side effects when taking the single 1 gram dose.
| Side Effects | Recommended action |
|---|---|
|
Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain |
Tell your doctor immediately |
|
Severe or persistent diarrhoea, abdominal pain Hearing loss, ringing in the ears Small white sores in mouth, furry tongue (oral thrush) Vaginal itch or discharge (vaginal thrush) |
Tell your doctor |
|
Diarrhoea, stomach upset Changes in taste Headache |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Tell your doctor if you have heart or liver problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Your doctor may do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking azithromycin.
- Your recent sexual partners will also need treatment.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. December 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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About My Medicines
My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed