Azithromycin for chlamydia guide
How to use the prescribed alternative regimen, understand why it is not interchangeable with doxycycline, and complete STI follow-up.
Mode d'emploi
- 01
Étape 1
Take the exact regimen prescribed
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. Do not choose or repeat the regimen yourself.
- 02
Étape 2
Check antacids and heart-rhythm medicines
Tell the prescriber about rhythm problems and every medicine. Separate aluminium- or magnesium-containing antacids as instructed. If you vomit soon after a single dose, contact the service rather than taking another dose automatically.
Calendrier posologique
- 01
Étape 1
Treatment day
Take all tablets that make up the prescribed single dose together, or follow the multi-day schedule if your diagnosis requires one. Do not keep leftover tablets.
- 02
Étape 2
Sex and follow-up
Follow the exact no-sex interval given by the service and ensure relevant partners receive testing and treatment advice. Retesting or a test of cure is scheduled only when clinically indicated and at the right interval.
Effets secondaires
Digestive effects
Diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and headache are common. Keep hydrated and seek advice if symptoms prevent the dose being retained.
Liver, rhythm, and antibiotic reactions
Rarely, azithromycin can affect liver function or heart rhythm or cause a serious allergic, skin, or antibiotic-associated bowel reaction.
04 · Quand contacter votre médecin
Contactez votre médecin si
- Palpitations, fainting, chest symptoms, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or a severe allergic or skin reaction
- Severe pelvic or testicular pain, fever, pregnancy, vomiting soon after the dose, or feeling acutely unwell
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea, persistent symptoms, repeat exposure, or incomplete partner management
Conservation
Keep in the original package, away from moisture and direct heat, and out of children's reach. Follow the temperature limit on your pack and do not use it after the expiry date.
À quoi s'attendre
Azithromycin can treat susceptible chlamydia when selected for the right person and regimen, but resistance, infection site, adherence, and reinfection affect outcomes. It is not an automatic substitute for doxycycline. Partner care and follow-up instructions are part of the treatment plan.