Azithromycin
Azithromycin 6 Tablets
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a prescription macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat, ear infections (in children), skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. The classic 5-day Z-Pack (azithromycin 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days) is one of the most recognized antibiotic regimens in the US. Azithromycin works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, stopping them from making the proteins they need to survive and reproduce. A key property is its very high tissue penetration — it concentrates in tissues and white blood cells at levels far exceeding plasma levels, which allows effective 5-day courses to cover infections for 7–10 days. A licensed provider can prescribe azithromycin through Rx.com for appropriate bacterial infections. Generic azithromycin is very affordable with an Rx.com coupon.Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Warnings
- May cause QT prolongation, which can cause irregular heartbeats
- Can lead to severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing
- Increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Potential liver dysfunction and injury
- May exacerbate symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Azithromycin ?
Azithromycin is a prescription macrolide antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections including community-acquired pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat, ear infections (in children), skin infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. The classic 5-day Z-Pack (azithromycin 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg daily for 4 days) is one of the most recognized antibiotic regimens in the US. Azithromycin works by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit of bacteria, stopping them from making the proteins they need to survive and reproduce. A key property is its very high tissue penetration — it concentrates in tissues and white blood cells at levels far exceeding plasma levels, which allows effective 5-day courses to cover infections for 7–10 days. A licensed provider can prescribe azithromycin through Rx.com for appropriate bacterial infections. Generic azithromycin is very affordable with an Rx.com coupon.- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- May cause QT prolongation, which can cause irregular heartbeats
- Can lead to severe allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing
- Increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Potential liver dysfunction and injury
- May exacerbate symptoms in patients with myasthenia gravis
Azithromycin Coupons & Prices
Azithromycin 6 Tablets
4 ED medications in one dose
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Looking for an azithromycin coupon? Azithromycin is the low-cost generic form of Zithromax (the "Z-Pak"), a macrolide antibiotic used to treat many common bacterial infections. Even though the generic is already inexpensive, the cash price can vary a lot from one pharmacy to the next, so it pays to compare. Enter your ZIP code above to see today's azithromycin price at pharmacies near you — Rx.com compares prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can bring the lowest one to the counter.
What is azithromycin and how does it work?
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It is FDA-approved to treat a range of bacterial infections, including community-acquired pneumonia, acute worsening of chronic bronchitis or COPD, acute bacterial sinusitis, sore throat and tonsillitis (as an alternative to first-line therapy), certain skin infections, ear infections in children, and some sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. It is also used to prevent and treat disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in people with advanced HIV.
Azithromycin works by stopping bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. Because it targets bacteria, it does not work against viral illnesses like the common cold or the flu. Taking an antibiotic you don't need won't help you feel better and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Azithromycin is sold under the brand names Zithromax, Z-Pak, and Zmax, and is widely available as a generic.
Azithromycin cost and savings without insurance
Azithromycin is available as a generic, which usually keeps the cost low even if you don't have insurance. That said, the cash price is not the same everywhere — different pharmacies can charge very different amounts for the exact same prescription, so comparing before you fill matters.
There is no manufacturer savings card for generic azithromycin, but a free Rx.com coupon can help you pay the lowest available cash price. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price at nearby pharmacies, then show the coupon at the counter. If your prescriber wrote for the brand-name Zithromax, ask whether the generic is appropriate for you, since it typically costs less.
Azithromycin alternatives and related antibiotics
Azithromycin is one of several antibiotics your provider may consider, depending on the type of infection and your medical history. Related and alternative options include:
- Clarithromycin and erythromycin — other macrolide antibiotics in the same family.
- Amoxicillin and cephalexin — commonly prescribed antibiotics from different classes.
- Doxycycline — often used for respiratory, skin, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
Only your prescriber can decide which antibiotic is right for your infection. If you are switched to a different medication, you can compare its price on Rx.com the same way.
Important safety information
Azithromycin has no FDA boxed warning, but there are important safety points to know. The main concern is that it can affect the heart's rhythm (QT-interval prolongation), which in rare cases can lead to dangerous, even fatal, irregular heartbeats. Extra caution is needed if you have a known heart-rhythm problem, low potassium or magnesium, a slow heart rate, or take other medicines that affect the QT interval. Tell your provider and pharmacist about all medications and conditions.
Other serious but uncommon risks include severe allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis and serious skin reactions), liver problems, and diarrhea caused by C. difficile that can start even weeks to months after finishing the medicine. In young infants, azithromycin has been linked to a stomach-valve condition called pyloric stenosis. This information is not medical advice — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation, and contact them promptly if you have a severe rash, trouble breathing, an irregular heartbeat, or persistent diarrhea.
This Azithromycin information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Azithromycin on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
Azithromycin — Articles & Guides
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.