Azithromycin: Who Should Check First

Azithromycin is an antibiotic. It is not suitable for everyone, so take it only if it has been prescribed for you.

Who should tell their doctor first?

• People who have had an allergic reaction to it or another medicine
• People with liver or kidney problems
• People with heart problems, including irregular heartbeats
• People who have had diarrhoea when taking antibiotics
• People with myasthenia gravis, as it can worsen this condition
• People with diabetes, because some liquid formulations contain sugar; check the exact product

Can it interact with other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal remedies and supplements you take.

When should I get urgent help?

Seek urgent medical advice for a fast or irregular heartbeat, or severe or persistent diarrhoea, particularly with blood or mucus. Chest pain, breathing difficulty or sudden swelling of the mouth or throat needs emergency care.

Doses vary, so follow your prescriber, pharmacist and the medicine label. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency, or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for a possible overdose. Outside Australia, use your local emergency and poison-information services.

Source: NHS: Who can and cannot take azithromycin and NHS: Azithromycin side effects. General education does not replace individual medical advice. Updated November 2026.

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