How and when to take azithromycin

Azithromycin comes as tablets, capsules and liquid. The liquid is available for children and people who find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules.

Azithromycin tablets come in strengths of 250mg or 500mg. The capsules are 250mg. The liquid comes as 200mg in 5ml.

The usual adult dose is 500mg a day for 3 to 10 days depending on the infection being treated.

For some infections, you'll be given a one-off higher dose of 1g or 2g.

The dose may be lower for children or if you have liver or kidney problems.

Azithromycin is sometimes prescribed long-term to prevent chest infections if you keep getting them. In this case you will usually need to take it 3 times a week, often on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your infection could come back.

You'll usually take azithromycin once a day. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day.

Swallow tablets and capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.

If you're taking azithromycin capsules or tablets, take them at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating. If you're taking it as liquid, you can take it with or without food.

The liquid can have a bitter aftertaste, so it can be a good idea to offer children a drink of fruit juice afterwards.

If you, or your child, are taking azithromycin as a liquid, your pharmacist will usually make it up for you. The medicine will come with a syringe or spoon to help you measure the right dose. If you do not have a syringe or medicine spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.

If you’re taking antacid medicines for indigestion or heartburn, take azithromycin at least 1 hour before the antacid or at least 2 hours after. Antacids can affect how much azithromycin your body takes in.