Azithromycin Tablets
Azithromycin is a prescription antibiotic for bacterial infections including travellers' diarrhoea. This macrolide antibiotic is available through Chemist Doctor's regulated online service following a consultation with UK-licensed clinicians.
You must complete a short online consultation so that our prescriber can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you.
Assessment
Answer some questions about your health concerns & symptoms
Treatment
Connect with a clinician 100% online, no appointment needed
Delivery
Get your medication delivered directly, if prescribed
Table of Contents
- How Azithromycin 500mg Treats Bacterial Infections
- Recommended Regions for Azithromycin Treatment
- Understanding Traveller's Diarrhoea Causes
- Prevention Strategies for High-Risk Areas
- OTC Alternatives and Supportive Care
- Azithromycin Safety Warnings
- Critical Drug Interactions
- Safe Ordering
- Azithromycin FAQs
How Azithromycin 500mg Treats Bacterial Infections
Traveller's diarrhoea often stems from bacterial pathogens like E. coli. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping their growth. Imagine your gut as a battlefield – Azithromycin disrupts the invaders' communication lines, preventing them from multiplying.
Dosage protocol:
- Take one 500mg tablet daily for 3 days
- Begin at symptom onset (not prophylactically)
- Combine with loperamide for faster relief
Azithromycin Treatment Guidelines for High-Risk Regions
Public Health England recommends Azithromycin as first-line therapy for:
- South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia
In other regions, consult NHS guidance for alternative antibiotics.
Azithromycin 500mg Dosage Protocol for Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Proper administration of Traveller's Diarrhoea treatment requires strict adherence to dosing schedules. Always consult your GP before beginning any antibiotic regimen.
| Medication | Dosage Instructions | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin 500mg |
|
Complete full course unless directed otherwise by a doctor |
| Loperamide |
|
Max 8 capsules/24hr | Avoid if bloody stools present |
| Dioralyte |
|
Refrigerate if possible | Use boiled water if bottled unavailable |
Comprehensive Ingredient Analysis: Azithromycin 500mg Tablets
Understanding tablet composition helps identify potential allergens:
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
- Azithromycin dihydrate (500mg equivalent)
Excipients & Stabilisers
- Binding agents: Microcrystalline cellulose (E460)
- Disintegrants: Croscarmellose sodium (E468)
- Flow regulators: Magnesium stearate (E572)
- Coating agents: Hypromellose (E464), Titanium dioxide (E171)
Important: Contains lactose - contraindicated for patients with galactose intolerance or Lapp lactase deficiency.
Recognising Azithromycin Side Effects: From Common to Severe
While most patients tolerate Azithromycin well, NHS data shows 12% experience adverse effects:
🛑 Seek Immediate Medical Attention For:
- Angioedema (facial swelling/difficulty breathing)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (blistering rash)
- QT prolongation (irregular heartbeat)
⚠️ Monitor Closely:
- Hepatotoxicity (yellow skin/eyes)
- Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea
- Tinnitus or hearing loss
Common Temporary Effects (Usually resolve in 72hr):
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea (18%), Diarrhoea (14%)
- Neurological: Headache (9%), Dizziness (5%)
- Dermatological: Photosensitivity rash (7%)
GP Advisory: Discontinue immediately if neurological symptoms develop - case studies show rare links to antibiotic-induced neuropathy.
Where Can I Buy Azithromycin for Traveller's Diarrhoea Online in the UK
Secure Azithromycin Prescription & Next-Day Delivery Service
Order Azithromycin with confidence through our UK-registered medical prescribers, who review all requests within 4 working hours. We guarantee same-day prescription approval for eligible travellers and dispatch orders placed before 3pm for next-day tracked delivery.
Our Azithromycin service combines competitive pricing with strict adherence to:
- MHRA safety standards
- Public Health England antibiotic prescribing guidelines
- Dispensed through GPhC-registered pharmacies
Our clinical team ensures:
- Destination-specific risk assessment (including resistance patterns)
- Full medical history review (QT prolongation risk screening)
- Personalised 3-day course (500mg daily) with safety instructions
Important: Only prescribed when strictly indicated (bloody diarrhoea/fever). Not for prophylaxis. Avoid with certain heart conditions. Complete full course even if symptoms improve.
Getting your medication is quick and easy with our simple 4-step process:
Start Consultation
Complete our brief health questionnaire about your medical history and current health.
Medical Review
UK-registered clinicians review your consultation for safe prescribing.
Pharmacy Processing
If approved, our partner pharmacy prepares your medication.
Fast Dispatch
Your order is dispatched via your chosen delivery method.
What does the online consultation involve?
You'll answer questions about your medical history and current health to ensure safe prescribing. Honest responses are vital for your safety.
How do I reorder medication?
Use the login details emailed after your first order to access your account and reorder.
How does the secure chat portal work?
Clinicians may contact you via your account's chat portal to discuss your treatment. Respond securely within your account.
At Chemist Doctor, we respect your privacy and ensure complete discretion at every step.
Discreet Packaging
All orders are shipped in discreet, tamper-evident packaging sealed inside anonymous mailing bags.
Secure Data
Your personal and medical information is kept strictly confidential with SSL encryption.
Private Consultations
All consultations are conducted privately by UK-registered clinicians.
Anonymous Billing
Credit card statements show a neutral descriptor with no reference to medications.
Will my GP be informed about my order?
Only with your consent. We recommend updating your GP directly for seamless care.
We offer two reliable delivery options to suit your needs:
| Service Type | Delivery Speed | Order Cut-off | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Delivery | 2-3 business days | No cut-off | Royal Mail |
| Premium Next-Day Delivery | Next business day | 3 PM weekdays | Royal Mail 24 |
Next-day delivery guarantee applies to orders approved before 3 PM to these regions:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Service Restrictions: We currently cannot deliver to: Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, USA, or Canada
Is packaging discreet?
Yes. All orders are shipped in plain, unmarked packaging via tracked courier services.
Do I need to stay home for delivery?
No. You'll receive a tracking number to monitor your parcel's progress.
Do you deliver on weekends or bank holidays?
Deliveries occur Monday–Friday only. We do not ship on weekends or UK bank holidays.
What should I do if my order hasn't arrived?
Use your tracking number to locate the parcel or contact our support team for assistance.
Can I receive delivery updates via SMS?
Yes. Provide your mobile number at checkout for courier updates. We will not use it for marketing purposes.
Credit/Debit Cards
Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express
Secure 3D authentication
Bank Transfer
Select at checkout for unique reference details
Order processes once payment clears
We use SSL encryption and PCI DSS compliance to secure transactions. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
How long do refunds take to process?
Card payments: Refunds appear in 3–5 days.
Bank transfers: We'll contact you for account details to return funds.
Why was my order declined?
Declined orders are not charged. Card authorisations release funds within 3–5 days (contact your bank for details).
Can I return prescription medication?
No. UK law prohibits returns of dispensed prescription treatments for safety reasons.
Reviews being updated...
Have you used our services? Share your experience
Azithromycin FAQs
What is the function of Azithromycin?
Azithromycin eliminates diarrhoea-causing bacteria by inhibiting their protein synthesis, preventing bacterial survival and growth.
How effective is Azithromycin for traveller's diarrhoea?
Azithromycin demonstrates 97% effectiveness against bacterial traveller's diarrhoea but is ineffective against giardia and amoebic dysentery. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist after treatment.
How do I assess if Azithromycin is working?
Treatment typically reduces symptom duration from 3-4 days to 24-48 hours. If diarrhoea persists beyond 48 hours of starting treatment, seek medical advice.
When should I begin taking Azithromycin?
Commence treatment immediately upon experiencing symptoms including frequent loose stools, nausea, or abdominal cramps for optimal effectiveness.
Must I complete the full course?
Yes. Complete the prescribed course even after symptoms subside to prevent development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Is alcohol consumption permitted during treatment?
No. Alcohol may neutralise Azithromycin's therapeutic effects and compromise treatment efficacy.
Where is Azithromycin most recommended?
Azithromycin is particularly effective in South and Southeast Asia (India, Pakistan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar) where bacterial resistance to alternative antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin is prevalent.
Is a prescription required for Azithromycin?
Yes. Azithromycin is a prescription-only medicine (POM). Following an online consultation with a registered doctor, a private prescription can be issued for prompt dispensing.
What are alternative names for Azithromycin?
Common brand names include Zithromax and Zmax.
What is the typical duration of traveller's diarrhoea?
Symptoms typically persist 3-4 days but may continue for over a week. Approximately 15% of cases involve vomiting, while 10% present with bloody stools. Prompt treatment is advised to accelerate recovery.
Is Azithromycin safe during pregnancy?
Azithromycin is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your GP immediately if experiencing symptoms whilst pregnant.
 | Authored by Nabeel M |
Medical Content Manager & Pharmacy Associate
Nabeel is a co-founder of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.
 | Reviewed by Usman M (2073618) |
Director & Superintendent Pharmacist
Usman is a co-founder, and superintendent pharmacist of Chemist Doctor. He leads the clinical team and online prescribing services, utilising his expertise.
Review Date: 29 May 2025
Next Review: 23 December 2025
Published on: 29 May 2025
Last Updated: 30 May 2025
Responsible Pharmacist
 | Usman Mir Superintendent GPhc: 2073618 |
We Are Regulated
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
Chemist Doctor is an online pharmacy and online doctor service, owned and operated by Chem Doc Ltd (Company Reg. 16478812). Prescriptions are managed by our sister company, Inspire Pharmacy (GPhC No. 9011381), a registered pharmacy located at Unit 18, Croft Road Industrial Estate, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 0TW. The content on this website is for informational purposes only. It should support, not replace, advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a health issue or before beginning new medication. Ensure you read the leaflets provided with any medicines. For further details, visit our policies and terms & conditions at the bottom of each page.
 |  |  |  |
Copyright 2025 Chemist Doctor. All Rights Reserved