What does it do?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat chlamydia.
Before you start
- 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.
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. You can take them with or without food.
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 azithromycin for chlamydia.
| 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 |
Tell your doctor |
|
Stomach upset Changes in taste |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other information:
- Your recent sexual partners will also need treatment.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the MyMedicines Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha, New Zealand. October 2023
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 Te Whatu Ora – Waitaha. 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