Azithromycin 250 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia; Throat, tonsil, sinus and ear infections.
Listed MRPs range from ₹7.03 to ₹12.55 per tablet across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin Tablets IP 250 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 6 | ₹42.19 | ₹7.03 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azeemune 250 | Cipla Ltd | 6 | ₹60.66 | ₹10.11 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azeepure 250 | Pure Drugs & Life Science | 10 | ₹107.53 | ₹10.75 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azital 250 | Vee Remedies | 6 | ₹64.97 | ₹10.83 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azithral 250 DT | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 5 | ₹62.73 | ₹12.55 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azee 250 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹125.46 | ₹12.55 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Chest infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
- Throat, tonsil, sinus and ear infections.
- Skin and soft-tissue infections.
- Some sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.
- Typhoid and travellers' diarrhoea in some cases, as decided by the doctor.
How to take it
Take it once a day at the same time each day, swallowed whole with water. Tablets work best at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after eating, and at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after any antacid. A typical course is 3 to 5 days; some infections need a single larger dose. Complete the full course even if you feel better after a day or two, because stopping early lets the infection return and encourages antibiotic resistance. Tell your doctor if you are not improving after 3 days, or sooner if you develop severe diarrhoea, a rash or palpitations.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Diarrhoea.
- Headache, dizziness or tiredness.
- Change in taste.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat or chest pain – seek help immediately.
- Yellow skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine (liver problems).
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea that does not stop.
- Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss; severe stomach or back pain (pancreatitis).
Safety information
Alcohol
You can drink alcohol with azithromycin, but avoid it if the medicine makes you dizzy or you have stomach upset.
Pregnancy
Can be used in pregnancy when an infection needs treating and the doctor feels the benefit outweighs the risk. Small amounts pass into breast milk and are unlikely to harm the baby; watch for diarrhoea or rash in the baby.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney problems; a lower dose may be chosen.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease. Stop and seek help if you develop jaundice.
Children
Used in children at a dose based on body weight, usually as suspension. The 250 mg tablet is for older children and adults as prescribed.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Never take two doses together.
Interactions
- Antacids (Digene, Gelusil) – take azithromycin 1 hour before or 2 hours after them.
- Heart rhythm medicines (amiodarone, sotalol), citalopram, domperidone, moxifloxacin – added risk of abnormal heart rhythm.
- Warfarin, dabigatran, edoxaban – bleeding risk may rise.
- Statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin) – higher chance of muscle pain.
- Digoxin, colchicine, ciclosporin, tacrolimus – levels may rise; tell your doctor.
- Ergotamine (migraine) and hydroxychloroquine – avoid combining without medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Azithral 250 vs Azithral 500 – which one do I need?
Both are azithromycin. The 500 mg tablet is the usual adult dose for most infections; 250 mg tablets are used for lower-dose courses, for older children, or when the doctor prescribes 250 mg daily after a first larger dose. Take whichever strength your doctor prescribed.
Should I take Azee 250 before or after food?
Take it on an empty stomach – at least 1 hour before food or 2 hours after – so it is absorbed properly. If it upsets your stomach, ask your doctor about taking it with a light meal.
Can I drink alcohol with Azithral 250?
Alcohol does not interact directly with azithromycin, but it can make side effects like dizziness and stomach upset worse. It is sensible to avoid it during the course.
How long does Azithral take to work?
Most people start feeling better within 2 to 3 days. If you are not improving after 3 days or feel worse at any point, go back to your doctor.
Is Azithral 250 safe in pregnancy?
Azithromycin can be used in pregnancy when an infection needs treatment, but your doctor will decide whether it is the best antibiotic for you. Do not self-medicate during pregnancy.
Can I take Azee 250 for viral fever or cold?
No. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and does not work on viruses, which cause most colds and flu-like fevers. Taking it unnecessarily causes side effects and antibiotic resistance.
What if I miss a dose of Azithral 250?
Take it as soon as you remember unless your next dose is nearly due, in which case skip the missed one. Do not take two doses on the same day.
Does azithromycin affect the contraceptive pill?
No, azithromycin does not stop the pill working. But if you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea during the course, the pill may not be absorbed – check your pill leaflet for extra precautions.
Is Azithral available without prescription?
No. Azithromycin is a Schedule H antibiotic in India and should be dispensed only against a doctor's prescription.
Sources
- NHS – Azithromycin: how and when to take it (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Azithromycin: side effects (19 October 2026)
- NHS – Azithromycin: taking it with other medicines (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms