Azithromycin Dosage: What You Need to Know About Strength, Timing, and Safety

When you’re prescribed azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Also known as Zithromax, it’s often chosen because it works fast, needs fewer doses, and is well-tolerated by most people. But getting the azithromycin dosage wrong can mean the infection doesn’t clear—or worse, that bacteria start resisting the drug. It’s not just about swallowing a pill; it’s about timing, strength, and how your body handles it.

Doctors pick azithromycin dosage based on what you’re treating. For chlamydia, a common bacterial STI, a single 1-gram dose is standard—no need to take it for days. For community-acquired pneumonia, a lung infection often caught from breathing in germs, you might get 500 mg on day one, then 250 mg daily for four more days. Kids get doses based on weight, usually 10 mg per kilogram on day one, then 5 mg per kg for the next four days. Skipping doses or stopping early because you feel better is a big mistake—it’s why antibiotics stop working over time.

Side effects like stomach upset, diarrhea, or nausea are common but usually mild. If you get serious dizziness, irregular heartbeat, or swelling, stop taking it and call your doctor. Azithromycin can interact with heart meds, antacids, and even some supplements, so always tell your provider what else you’re taking. It’s not for viral infections like colds or flu—using it when it’s not needed fuels antibiotic resistance. And while you can buy it online, only use licensed pharmacies. Fake pills are out there, and they won’t fix your infection—they might make it worse.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve used azithromycin for different conditions—from treating sinus infections to managing skin boils. Some share how they handled the side effects. Others explain why their doctor chose azithromycin over amoxicillin or doxycycline. You’ll see dosage charts, timing tips, and what to do if you miss a pill. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.