Antibiotic (Macrolide)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying in your body, helping your immune system fight off the infection.
Binds to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis and resulting in bacteriostatic activity against susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For most infections, take one 500mg tablet once a day for 3 days. Swallow with water, either 1 hour before food or 2 hours after food — taking it on an empty stomach helps your body absorb it better. For some infections like chlamydia, your doctor may give you a single dose of 1000mg (two 500mg tablets) taken at once. Always follow the exact instructions your doctor or pharmacist gives you.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
Always complete the full course even if you feel better after one or two days — stopping early can make the bacteria resistant, meaning the drug won't work next time. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and look for trusted brands like Azilide 500, Afithro-500, Agazit, or Azinest — avoid buying from roadside vendors or unregistered shops. Do not share your antibiotics with family or friends, even if they have similar symptoms.
Avoid taking antacids (like aluminum or magnesium-based drugs for ulcer) at the same time as azithromycin — take them at least 2 hours apart. Be cautious if you are also taking blood-thinning drugs like warfarin, as azithromycin can increase their effect. Alcohol does not directly interact, but it can worsen stomach side effects and slow your recovery, so it's best to avoid it while on this medication.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Azithromycin with your other drugs?
Azithromycin should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if your doctor says the benefit outweighs the risk — do not take it on your own without consulting a doctor.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid keeping it near windows or in your car. Keep the suspension in a refrigerator after mixing and use within the number of days your pharmacist tells you. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Azithromycin?
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