Azithromycin is used to treat severe bacterial infections. Azithromycin is given on limited prescriptions and is not intended for long-term use. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to fight bacterial infections within the body. Azithromycin belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. This article describes the dosages of azithromycin, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of azithromycin and other antibacterial drugs, azithromycin tablets should be used only to treat infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. Azithromycin may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. It may occur 2 months or more after you stop using this medicine. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics such as azithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment. Overview: Azithromycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat certain bacterial infections. It works by stopping certain types of bacteria from making proteins they need to grow and multiply. Azithromycin (Z-Pak) is one of America's most prescribed antibiotics. Learn its exact dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and the 2026 resistance warning doctors don't always share. When it works fast, when to watch for side effects, why you shouldn’t skip the last pill, and what no one mentions about your gut afterward. Written plainly, by someone who’s been there. Azithromycin, sold under the brand names Zithromax (in oral form) and Azasite (as an eye drop), is an antibiotic medication used to treat several bacterial infections. [9] Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. Azithromycin is used to treat many different types of infections caused by bacteria, such as respiratory infections, skin infections, ear infections, eye infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.