Azithromycin 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Chest infections – bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia; Throat and tonsil infections (bacterial pharyngitis), sinusitis and middle-ear infections.
Listed MRPs range from ₹13.13 to ₹25.35 per tablet across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 3 | ₹39.38 | ₹13.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| Aziwok 500 | Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd | 5 | ₹125.80 | ₹25.16 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azibact 500 | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 5 | ₹125.89 | ₹25.18 | 19 October 2026 |
| Zithrox 500 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 5 | ₹126.67 | ₹25.33 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azax 500 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 3 | ₹75.99 | ₹25.33 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azee 500 | Cipla Ltd | 5 | ₹126.71 | ₹25.34 | 19 October 2026 |
| Azithral 500 | Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 5 | ₹126.73 | ₹25.35 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Chest infections – bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.
- Throat and tonsil infections (bacterial pharyngitis), sinusitis and middle-ear infections.
- Skin and soft-tissue infections.
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.
- Typhoid fever in some cases, as decided by a doctor.
How to take it
Usually one 500 mg tablet once a day for 3 days (or 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg for 4 days), exactly as your doctor prescribes. You can take it with or without food; taking it after food reduces stomach upset. Take it at the same time each day and finish the whole course even if you feel better. Do not take antacids containing aluminium or magnesium within 2 hours of the dose.
Side effects
Common
- Diarrhoea, loose stools.
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting.
- Headache.
- Changes in taste.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea during or weeks after treatment (C. difficile infection).
- Irregular heartbeat, fainting – azithromycin can prolong the QT interval.
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine (liver problems).
- Severe skin reactions or allergic swelling of the face and throat.
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears, usually with high or prolonged doses.
Safety information
Alcohol
There is no direct interaction, but alcohol can worsen stomach upset and slow your recovery. Better to avoid it during the course.
Pregnancy
Azithromycin is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when an antibiotic is needed; your doctor will decide.
Kidney problems
Usually no dose change for mild to moderate kidney disease; tell your doctor if you have severe kidney failure.
Liver problems
Avoid if you have had liver problems with azithromycin before. Tell your doctor about any liver disease.
Children
500 mg tablets are for adults and larger children; smaller children get a weight-based dose (usually 10 mg per kg) as syrup.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is the next day, skip it and continue; do not take two tablets to catch up.
Interactions
- Antacids with aluminium or magnesium – reduce absorption; keep a 2-hour gap.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm – amiodarone, sotalol, some antipsychotics, domperidone, hydroxychloroquine, fluconazole.
- Warfarin – increased bleeding risk; INR may need checking.
- Digoxin – levels may rise.
- Ergotamine (migraine medicines) – avoid together.
- Statins such as atorvastatin – slightly higher risk of muscle problems.
Frequently asked questions
Azithral 500 before or after food?
Either works. Taking it an hour before or two hours after food gives slightly better absorption, but taking it after food is fine and reduces nausea. Just keep it consistent and avoid antacids near the dose.
Can I take Azithral 500 with alcohol?
There is no dangerous interaction, but alcohol worsens nausea and diarrhoea and slows recovery. Best avoided for the 3 to 5 days of the course.
How many days should I take Azithral 500?
Usually 3 days (one tablet daily), or 5 days with a lower dose from day 2, depending on the infection. Complete the full course your doctor prescribed even if you feel well.
Is Azithral 500 good for cold, cough and viral fever?
No. Colds, flu and most sore throats are viral and antibiotics do nothing for them. Taking azithromycin unnecessarily causes side effects and antibiotic resistance. It needs a doctor's prescription (Schedule H).
Can I take Azithral 500 with Dolo 650?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken with azithromycin for fever or pain. There is no interaction.
Azithral 500 vs Azee 500 – which is better?
Both contain azithromycin 500 mg and are equivalent. The choice is usually about price and availability.
Is Azithral 500 safe in pregnancy?
Azithromycin is one of the antibiotics doctors commonly use in pregnancy when needed. Take it only if prescribed.
Can Azithral 500 be used for typhoid?
Azithromycin is one of the options doctors use for uncomplicated typhoid in India, often for 7 days. The dose and duration are different from a chest infection, so follow your doctor exactly.
Why do I get loose motions with Azithral?
Diarrhoea is the commonest side effect. Mild diarrhoea usually settles after the course; drink fluids and ORS. If stools are severe, watery or bloody, see a doctor.
Sources
- NHS – Azithromycin (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Azithromycin (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