Azithromycin: How Should I Take Azithromycin

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

How should I take azithromycin?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. The dose and length of treatment with azithromycin may not be the same for every type of infection.

Take each tablet or capsule with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

To use the oral suspension single dose packet: Open the packet and pour the medicine into 2 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Azithromycin capsules must be taken on an empty stomach. Take the capsule at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal.

Azithromycin tablets or powder oral suspension may be taken with or without food. Take the tablet or oral suspension with food if the medicine upsets your stomach.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated. Azithromycin will not treat a viral infection such as the common cold or flu.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid medicine after 10 days.

Last updated:	April 18, 2008