Drug Class: What is Azithromycin and why is it prescribed?

Azithromycin 250 mg is a semi-synthetic macrolide antibiotic related to erythromycin.

It is prescribed for adults to treat certain mild to moderate skin infections; upper and lower respiratory tract infections, including pharyngitis (strep throat), tonsillitis, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia; sexually transmitted infections of the cervix or urinary tract; and genital ulcer disease in men.

In children, Azithromycin 250 mg is used to treat middle ear infection, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and strep throat.

Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.