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Chlamydia · TREATMENT GUIDE

Azithromycin for chlamydia guide

How to take single-dose azithromycin when your prescriber selects it for chlamydia, and how to prevent reinfection.

2 min read · Reviewed by Dr. Alejandro Infante
TREATMENT GUIDE · Chlamydia

Azithromycin for chlamydia guide

How to take single-dose azithromycin when your prescriber selects it for chlamydia, and how to prevent reinfection.

READ TIME
2 min read
PATHWAY
Azithromycin
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This guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.

Medicines and interactions to reviewMedicines that prolong QT, digoxin, anticoagulants, and significant liver disease need review

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On this page
01

How to use

  1. Take the prescribed dose as directed

    For the prescribed uncomplicated-chlamydia regimen, swallow both 500 mg tablets together with water as one 1 g dose.

  2. Check medicines and follow the food directions

    The tablets can be taken with or without food. Tell the prescriber about heart-rhythm problems and all current medicines before taking the dose.

Monitoring

Medicines and interactions to review. Medicines that prolong QT, digoxin, anticoagulants, and significant liver disease need review

02

Treatment pathway

See the full decision pathway

Treatment and follow-up

    • Confirm uncomplicated chlamydia

      Testing, infection site, symptoms, pregnancy, and possible coinfections determine whether this pathway is safe.

    • Use the selected regimen

      Doxycycline 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days is first line. Azithromycin 1 g once is the clinician-selected alternative when doxycycline is unsuitable.

    • Prevent reinfection

      Complete treatment, follow the no-sex interval, ensure partners are treated, and repeat testing at about 3 months.

03

Dose schedule

  1. One 1,000 mg oral dose

    Take the full prescribed 1,000 mg dose at one time. Do not divide it across days unless a prescriber has issued a different prescription for another indication.

  2. Sexual abstinence

    Avoid sexual contact for 7 days after the single dose. Partners need treatment too.

04

Side effects

Gastrointestinal effects

Nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and vomiting can occur. Contact a clinician if these are severe or persistent.

Headache, dizziness, and skin reactions

Headache is common. Dizziness or drowsiness possible. Skin rashes can indicate an allergic reaction.

05

Do not use if

  • You are allergic to azithromycin or another macrolide
  • You have an unreviewed long-QT syndrome, serious rhythm disorder, or very low potassium or magnesium
  • The diagnosis or infection site requires another treatment

If any item may apply, do not use the medicine until a clinician has reviewed it.

06

When to contact your doctor

  • Severe allergic reaction: facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash
  • Persistent severe diarrhoea or abdominal pain
  • Symptoms persist after completing the full course
07

Storage

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.

08

What to expect

For uncomplicated infection in a non-pregnant person, a routine test of cure is not advised unless adherence is uncertain, symptoms persist, or reinfection is suspected. Retesting at about 3 months is recommended.

09

Sources

  1. eMC: Azithromycin SmPC
  2. CDC: Chlamydial Infections treatment guideline
ChlamydiaThis guide is for patients whose doctor has already prescribed Azithromycin.Questions about your treatment? Message your doctor from your account. Not on treatment yet? An EU-licensed doctor assesses your case and decides whether any treatment is appropriate.Start consultationThis guide does not replace the package leaflet or your doctor's assessment.
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FAQS

Common questions

Azithromycin for chlamydia guide3 questions
Who reviews the guides?
Each guide is reviewed by an EU-licensed doctor. It is based on the official product information, cited at the end of each guide.
No. They support your treatment, and your doctor's instructions always come first.
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The clinical information on this page was reviewed by: Dr. Alejandro Infante, General medicine, on 26 August 2026. Barcelona College of Physicians, no. 080869277 View profile

If the doctor does not approve treatment, we refund the full amount. Every consultation is fully refundable. How refunds work