Azithromycin

Community-acquired pneumonia, sinusitis, pharyngitis, skin infections, sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea as part of dual therapy), and traveller’s diarrhoea.

Like clarithromycin, azithromycin binds to the bacterial 50S ribosome to inhibit protein synthesis. Its unique pharmacokinetics - concentrating inside immune cells and being released slowly at infection sites - means tissue levels remain effective for 5+ days after a 3-day course.

Adults and children. Fewer drug interactions than clarithromycin. Caution in liver disease and with QT-prolonging medications. Single-dose regimens improve adherence for STI treatment.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Azithromycin from £15.99 per course.

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, rash, abdominal discomfort. Amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav: common rash (especially with viral infections). Metronidazole: metallic taste, nausea. Doxycycline: photosensitivity, oesophageal irritation. Rare but serious: Clostridium difficile colitis (persistent diarrhoea), anaphylaxis (penicillins), tendon damage (ciprofloxacin).

Penicillin allergy: do not take amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or flucloxacillin. Ciprofloxacin: avoid in tendon disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis. Metronidazole: avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after. Doxycycline: avoid in children under 12 (teeth staining).

Metronidazole: severe reaction with alcohol (disulfiram-like). Warfarin: many antibiotics alter INR - more frequent monitoring needed. Ciprofloxacin: avoid dairy, calcium, iron, and antacids within 2 hours. Oral contraceptives: no evidence that most antibiotics reduce efficacy (except rifampicin).

Penicillins (amoxicillin, flucloxacillin): generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Metronidazole: avoid in 1st trimester if possible. Doxycycline/lymecycline: contraindicated in pregnancy (teeth/bone effects). Ciprofloxacin: avoid (joint cartilage risk). Nitrofurantoin: avoid at term (neonatal haemolysis). Trimethoprim: avoid in 1st trimester (folate antagonist).

Respiratory: 500mg day 1, then 250mg days 2-3. Chlamydia: single 1g dose. Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food) for best absorption. Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. QT prolongation risk. Complete the full course even though it’s short.