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Comparing Azithromycin vs Zithromax

Azithromycin

Zithromax

azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of different infections. It has the distinct advantage of once-daily dosing; however, diarrhea is a common side effect. Prescribed for Chlamydia... more

Zithromax is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of different infections and it appears to have better tissue penetration and tolerability than similar antibiotics, such as erythromycin. Zithromax... more

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Bacterial Infection
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Chlamydia Infection
Pneumonia
Skin or Soft Tissue Infection
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Otitis Media
Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis
Skin and Structure Infection
Pharyngitis
COPD, Acute
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Treatment
Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention (Bacterial Endocarditis Prophylaxis)
Gonococcal Infection, Uncomplicated
Mycoplasma Pneumonia
Pertussis
Legionella Pneumonia
Babesiosis
Nongonococcal Urethritis
Pertussis Prophylaxis
Lyme Disease, Erythema Chronicum Migrans
STD Prophylaxis
Bartonellosis
Typhoid Fever
Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare, Prophylaxis
Granuloma Inguinale
Chancroid
Cervicitis
Toxoplasmosis
Show more conditions...

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
7.1
958 Reviews

For Chlamydia Infection I’m on 2 more medications for bacterial vaginitis and a skin rash and now this one. I have really bad health anxiety and thinking I have too many medications in me is bothering me. I was prescribed four 250mg pills and since taking them I’ve been feeling light headed & my anxiety is making it worst giving me fast heart rate . I’ve learned my lesson

8
Nay

For Chlamydia Infection I took the 4 white pills and within an hour had absolutely severe stomach pains and nausea. Have had liquid poops for the last three hours every 20 minutes or so. I pray this doesn’t last all night. Wrap it up! And trust no one!!!

8
Dumbass chick
7.4
113 Reviews

For Bronchitis I came down with Bronchitis and was prescribed Zithromax. I was prone to ear infections when I was younger and was always prescribed this because I was allergic to penicillin. I had no side effects then, but now I have bad stomach cramps and diarrhea.

7
Anonymous

For Bronchitis I took a full course of the 250mg 5 day pack with no ill effects except for a metallic taste in my mouth but then the bronchitis came back, so was prescribed the 500mg 3 day course. On day two, I got severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. I am not going to take the final dose, because although the bronchitis is better, I can't deal with the intense stomach discomfort.

7
Anonymous

View all 958 reviews

View all 113 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: diarrhea, loose stools, and nausea.

See the full azithromycin side effects document.

Common side effects include: diarrhea, loose stools, and nausea.

See the full Zithromax side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 2 tablet
Dosage 250 mg
Per Unit* $5.84
Cost* $11.68
View all azithromycin prices
Quantity 2 tablet
Dosage 250 mg
Per Unit* $11.19
Cost* $22.38
View all Zithromax prices
View generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Intravenous powder for injection
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet
  • Intravenous powder for injection
  • Oral powder for reconstitution
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Azithromycin Dose Pack, Z-Pak, Zithromax, Zmax Other azithromycin brands include: Azithromycin Dose Pack, Z-Pak, Zmax

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

53 hours

53 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (3)

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 442 drugs are known to interact with azithromycin:

  • 68 major drug interactions (175 brand and generic names)
  • 340 moderate drug interactions (1678 brand and generic names)
  • 34 minor drug interactions (123 brand and generic names)

A total of 442 drugs are known to interact with Zithromax:

  • 68 major drug interactions (175 brand and generic names)
  • 340 moderate drug interactions (1678 brand and generic names)
  • 34 minor drug interactions (123 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no warnings exist. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

November 01, 1991

November 01, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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