> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Azithromycin — chlamydia alternative

> What azithromycin treats, how the single-dose regimen works, common side effects and why doxycycline is usually preferred first.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used for selected susceptible infections. For uncomplicated chlamydia it is usually an alternative when the preferred doxycycline regimen is unsuitable — never a first choice by default.

## What is azithromycin?

Azithromycin comes as a tablet or oral suspension, given as a short prescribed course. The indication, regimen and follow-up depend on your history and country guidance, and a licensed doctor decides whether it is appropriate — prescribing is never automatic.

<Info>
  Active ingredient: azithromycin. Dosage is diagnosis-specific, set by the reviewing doctor after confirming the diagnosis.
</Info>

## How it works

Azithromycin binds to bacterial ribosomes and interrupts protein production, which stops susceptible bacteria from growing.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Alternative when appropriate" icon="rotate">
    A clinician can consider it when the preferred chlamydia regimen does not fit the patient.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Diagnosis-led prescribing" icon="clipboard-check">
    The infection, test result and local resistance guidance determine whether it is suitable.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Dosing

For uncomplicated urethral or cervical chlamydia, an authorised regimen is 1,000 mg as a single dose, but current local guidance often reserves azithromycin for situations where the preferred doxycycline course is unsuitable. The doctor gives the exact course after confirming the diagnosis; the regimen is not something to choose or repeat yourself.

If a dose is not fully absorbed — for example if you vomit soon after taking it — contact the service rather than taking another dose automatically.

## Follow-up

Follow-up is included in the plan: it covers partner notification, avoiding sexual contact for the interval the service advises, and repeat testing where indicated. Retesting or a test of cure is scheduled only when clinically indicated and at the right interval.

## What has been reported

| Effect                                                                                                            | Frequency reported |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache                                                                       | Common             |
| Vomiting                                                                                                          | Common             |
| Liver function changes, heart rhythm effects, or a serious allergic, skin or antibiotic-associated bowel reaction | Rare               |

Keep hydrated, and seek advice if symptoms prevent a dose from being retained.

## Who it is not suitable for

* A significant heart rhythm disorder, or a previous reaction to a macrolide antibiotic
* An infection that local guidance says needs a different antibiotic

<Warning>
  For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms — palpitations, fainting, chest symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or a severe allergic or skin reaction — call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department, then let your doctor know through your account chat.
</Warning>

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm diagnosis and interactions">
    The consultation reviews your test result, rhythm history and current medicines before treatment is considered.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Take exactly as prescribed">
    Complete every prescribed dose of the course the doctor sets.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow partner and repeat-testing advice">
    The plan covers partner notification, sexual contact timing and repeat testing where indicated.
  </Step>
</Steps>

For the day-to-day mechanics of a prescribed course — antacid timing, what to do about a missed or vomited dose, and storage — see the [azithromycin chlamydia guide](https://hi-doctor.ai/guides/azithromycin).

Related: [doxycycline](/library/medicines/doxycycline), the antibiotic usually preferred first for uncomplicated chlamydia. See also [how a Hi-Doctor consultation works](/essentials/how-it-works), [safety and eligibility checks](/essentials/safety), and [pricing](/essentials/pricing).

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Sexual health consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/sexual-health/1">
  Answer the sexual health questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription.
  Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor
  after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>