Azithromycin User Reviews & Ratings
Brand names: Zithromax, Azithromycin Dose Pack, Z-Pak
Azithromycin has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 1,306 reviews on Drugs.com. 54% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Azithromycin
- Ren...
- November 19, 2013
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "The only medicine that works on my bronchitis. I've tried others and suffered more. For me, it starts working in 2 days. No side effects for me, just relief. I love it. But I really need to quit smoking. I wouldn't get it so often, get it at least 2 times a year."
- Anonymous
- January 30, 2012
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "Zithromax works. I see a lot of websites stating that bronchitis is usually caused by a virus. The fact is, that although the triggering mechanism that brought on the bronchitis may be a virus, a secondary infection of bacteria is common. My entire family had bronchitis for several weeks. Zithromax will get rid of it in most cases. Don't believe the nonsense that you don't need antibiotics - after a couple of weeks of this, go get some Zithromax. It works!"
Frequently asked questions
- What are the best antibiotics for a tooth infection?
- What antibiotics kill Covid-19 (coronavirus)?
- What is the best antibiotic to treat strep throat?
- Does azithromycin cure chlamydia: How much / how long?
- Che...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 15, 2020
For Pneumonia "I was prescribed azithromycin for a Covid-19 scare. I had pneumonia but a negative Covid-19 test. I was on a 5-day course. I’m someone who never takes medication because I’m scared of all the side effects, and I'm an absolute baby when I feel bad... at all. I took it before bed. I didn’t have many symptoms. I would have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. The only thing that really bothered me was that it made me extremely cold. The 2 side effects I did experience were gone about 6 hours in. My symptoms from my pneumonia were gone by the second day on the medication. This was the first antibiotic where I was able to finish the full course (although I figured this would be better than having Covid and getting worse). I will also add that I have a heart arrhythmia called SVT. I also have inappropriate sinus tachycardia & POTS. The medication didn’t affect my heart at all. I was very scared of that."
- Aan...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 10, 2020
For Chlamydia Infection "I was SO scared reading these reviews, but surprisingly I had little to no side effects. I made sure to eat a carb-filled meal about 30 min before taking the 1000mg dose. No stomach ache really, no fever either. Did have mild diarrhea about 5 hours later. Don’t stress too hard about it! Stress makes everything worse! Just take it and lie down, you’ll be okay! If I can do it so can you!"
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ash...
- March 24, 2016
For Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis "I just want to say to people out there that are scared to take antibiotics (like myself), do not look up these silly reviews. It will only scare you more from taking them. I had to deal with strep for a month before I could actually take my antibiotic because people on here made it seem like it was the worst drug they've ever had. So far, I've had no side effects, and it's working great. My suggestion is don't try to research what other people have said about it. Try it for yourself."
- Sha...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 12, 2014
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "I suffer from asthma and would frequently come down with bronchitis. This Zithromax is a lifesaver. I love how it helps me get over it quickly, and I am on my feet again within the week. Best prescription ever."
More FAQ
- How long does azithromycin stay in your system?
- What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia?
- What antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia and gonorrhea?
- Can you drink alcohol with Z-Pak (Azithromycin)?
- Lia...
- April 2, 2021
Azithromycin for Sinusitis "I am prone to sinus infections and usually get them with seasonal changes. Sometimes they come with ear stuffiness and usually with a fever, sore throat, and migraines. The exhaustion is the worst! With two small children, this time around, I had to get back on my feet quickly as there are no sick days. Well, Z-Pak works within hours, even on the pain of the sinus pressure! This has gotten me back to normal more times in my 34 years than I can count. I am extremely thankful for it because I have very few alternatives, being severely allergic to penicillin."
- Alc...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 11, 2015
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "This stuff starts working on Day One. Within a couple of hours of taking it, I already feel like the congestion has halted and just needs to clear up. Make sure to take the whole pack, but all three times I've ever had bronchitis sneak in during a cold, Zithromax knocks it right out. No side effects for me."
- JDo...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 7, 2020
For Chlamydia Infection "Took this in the powder form, only a one-time dosage, to fight Chlamydia. I am really glad I had taken the powder form, because it was super easy to take and to digest. My stomach did make some funky noises within the first couple of hours, as well as feeling sick, but I never had to vomit, and I never got any headaches. I did feel weird and smellier than usual during the first 2-3 days, but by day 5, I felt like myself again! I also had BV alongside the STI, and I noticed this cleared up my BV as well. The odors I had were completely gone, no more runny discharge, I felt energized again, no more abnormalities by day 6. This was a great antibiotic, and I am so glad it exists because it was quick and effective. I have definitely learned my lesson, practice safe sex & good hygiene! :)"
- cat...
- July 31, 2014
For Chlamydia Infection "If you're reading this right now, it's probably because you're worried about whether this antibiotic will work for you or not. I was diagnosed with chlamydia about a month ago and was in tears day in and day out because I was so worried that the chlamydia might have spread, considering I had no idea my cheating ex had given it to me a year prior. (Pathetic, I know) Well, anyways, I was prescribed 4 pills, I took 2 pills at the same time for 2 days consecutively (1g or 1000mg in total to be exact). I had no side effects. The burning sensation while I urinated went away in two days. This antibiotic honestly was heaven-sent. P.S., I went to the doctor today for my Test of Cure and I am completely infection-free! USE THIS!"
- Chu...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 30, 2012
Azithromycin for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection "I am on day 2 of the 5-day dose pack. Relief from upper respiratory symptoms has been rapid and effective. 48 hours ago, I was having severe coughing fits, sneezing, painful sinus pressure, lethargy, blocked nasal passages, unable to lie down without inducing severe bouts of coughing. 36 hours ago, I took the loading dose, and 12 hours ago, the day 2 dose. My cough is all but gone, I am able to breathe normally, my voice is back nearly to normal, the sinus pressure is gone, and I have stopped taking the decongestant I was using. This afternoon, I went out shopping. I have noticed no side effects, other than mild nausea after the day 1 dose, which may or may not have been from the medicine. This is my second highly positive experience with this medicine."
- Pau...
- December 7, 2015
Azithromycin for Sinusitis "It's a life saver for me. Chronic sinus problem that occurs twice a year. Slight stomach issues after initial dose. Knocks out brain fog. Had the best night sleep in months. Always take with food, and you will have no issues. Made me feel 90% better 24 hours after initial dosage. Use with Flonase to open passages to help get it all. Only thing that works for my sinus problems."
- Anonymous
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 13, 2012
Azithromycin for Sinusitis "After suffering from a cold for 8 days, I woke up with extreme pressure in my sinuses and couldn't hear due to my ears being clogged. I was prescribed the 3-day Zithromax and after one day felt so much better. The pressure went away and I had a slightly runny nose. On the second day, I could breathe without using decongestants. I haven't had any side effects, but maybe a slight pang in my stomach when taking (I usually eat something right after taking). I'm usually resistant to going to the doctor, but very glad I did this time."
- Tin...
- November 3, 2013
For Bronchitis "I wanted to give a complete day-to-day experience taking Z-Pak. Summary: I started to get sore throat, earache, fatigue, body chills, vomiting, and a slight fever. I would cough up white/slightly yellow mucus. Day 1: Fatigue was reduced by 80%, less coughing, didn't cough up as much mucus but dry hacking cough was still there. Day 2: Coughing was still there, ear infection reduced, little to no mucus. Couldn't lay down or would still get coughing fits, would have to sporadically sit up so I wouldn't cough throughout the night, had liquid stools. Day 3: Felt 70% better, coughing turned into an annoying honking cough with no mucus, slight blurry vision, some sweating, dryness, continued watery stools. Day 4: Feeling 75-80% better."
- Nel...
- March 2, 2018
For Bronchitis "This medicine always clears up bronchitis. I fiddle around with the inhalers and steroids the doctors try to foist on you first until I lose patience after a week of suffering and ask for this drug. This medicine literally starts healing within the first day. It is a miracle drug that removes pure misery and gives you hope again, and suddenly you don't feel like you've been run over by a semi after a week of no sleep. I don't understand the initial resistance to prescribe it when a patient clearly has a condition it can cure. I could have been up and enjoying life again in a couple of days instead of wallowing in misery for almost two weeks."
- Lol...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- June 8, 2020
For Sinusitis "Absolutely horrible side effects. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and volatile heartbeat from the 2nd day of therapy onward (it was a five-day course). Ended up in the ER, but EKG seemed normal. I am now in the third day after taking the last pill. Cleared up my sinusitis, but side effects are still lingering. Feeling hot on the inside, but no fever. Feelings of hopelessness, severe depression. Heart rate up to 130 only to drop to 50. Chest pain. Fear of a heart attack. No appetite whatsoever. Surviving on soup. One moment I feel like my old self, the next I feel like I'm losing my mind."
- Bro...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- September 14, 2013
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "Got a regular head cold about a week ago. The cold is better, but the cough got much worse - so violent I can't talk. Went to Urgent Care - they gave me Lortab for coughing, a Z-pack & an inhaler. It's been 2 hours and I am already feeling an improvement. This is the second time in 2 years that this happens to me. I only wish that I could prescribe it to myself at the onset next time instead of trying every other medicine!"
- ake...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- May 30, 2020
Azithromycin for Bacterial Infection "These bad reviews terrified me. I took this for strep throat, and within the second day, I was feeling better. I have one more day left and will be done with it. I’ve had no bad issues. The first day with the two pills made my stomach hurt a little and I got mild diarrhea, but after that, I had no more issues. Make sure to eat a full meal when taking it. And stop overthinking! Anxiety causes stomach pain and bathroom issues as well. If you’re freaking out due to the reviews, I would not be shocked if you end up in the bathroom. Please don’t let the reviews deter you. Everyone’s body is different."
- no...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 17, 2014
For Sinusitis "I had a tickle in my throat and very tired on day one. Then on day 3, a dry hacking cough, and then a runny nose and congestion. On day 5, I woke up to a bad sinus headache and pressure, but it was not getting better and the cough was worse. By day 7, I felt like death warmed over and couldn't take it anymore. I went to the doctor and got a 5-day Zpak and inhaler. I took the dose on day 1 and the next morning felt much better, a lot of the sinus pressure and headache were gone. By day 4, I felt much, much better and only had a small cough now."
- Ron...
- June 10, 2014
For Bronchitis "Had bronchitis for maybe 2 weeks. At first I thought it was a cold or maybe an allergy. My temp started to move up to 99.6, and then 100+ and finally like 101.7. But the cough was the worst. The weirdest cough I ever had, deep, loud coughs and I'd cough for like 30 sec+ or cough and sneeze at the same time. Could not lie down at all or I'd begin coughing (but I'd cough anyway). The doc prescribed Z-pak. About 4 hours after I took it, I could tell the symptoms improving. My temp improved, the cough subsided, too. This is my second day. For me there are no side effects."
- Cov...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- April 7, 2020
Azithromycin for Pneumonia "Went to the hospital because of fever over a week and pain above my navel. They x-rayed my chest and told me I have double pneumonia and most likely COVID-19. I have finished the entire Z-pack (azithromycin) now and feel worse every day. Doctors ignore my complaints. Diarrhea, fever, dizziness, chills, and the worst pain in my chest I have ever had even when not breathing deeply. However, they still won’t test me for the virus. I don’t have any more meds and my doctor said not to come in for a follow-up because I could get others sick. I am in mandatory quarantine with my family. I hope I don't die."
- Nic...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 3, 2020
For Chlamydia Infection "I have had Chlamydia six times. I believe it was the same infection that just couldn’t get treated fully and kept coming back. So, I tried azithromycin 500 mg, and that seemed to work the first time, but eventually, it came back, and I tried doxycycline, which also seemed to work, but it inevitably came back again. I did this alternation of antibiotics each time. It always came back. I finally was advised by a doctor in South Korea to take both azithromycin 500 mg and a week course of doxycycline at the same time. This cured me, and it has been 5.5 months without any complications."
- old...
- February 29, 2016
Azithromycin for Bronchitis "Used a number of times over the years and always found it to work better than anything. 250mg capsules (6), 2 to begin then 1 per day, 1 hour before, or 2 hours after eating. Lots of coughing up phlegm but clears the chest so can breathe properly. Keep lots of tissues handy. It ought to be available over the counter, as in some foreign countries."
- Wil...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 22, 2012
Azithromycin for Pneumonia "I developed pneumonia after being treated in the hospital for an anaphylactic allergic response. Within a few days, my oxygen was down to 92%. I was almost hospitalized, but begged the doc to let me stay out as it was 5 days until Christmas. I was prescribed a 5-day Z-Pak (Azithromycin). Today is day 3, I'm finally starting to feel better. The only side effects so far have been slightly loose stools and a rapid pulse. (I'm 35 and otherwise healthy.) I find I got stomach pains within an hour of taking it, so today I ate before I took it and that helped."
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Patient resources
Other brands
Zithromax, Azithromycin Dose Pack, Zmax
Professional resources
- Azithromycin Dihydrate monograph
- Azithromycin Dihydrate (FDA)
- Azithromycin Injection (FDA)
- Azithromycin Oral Suspension (FDA)
- Azithromycin Tablets (FDA)
For Chlamydia Infection "If you're reading this then you're probably terrified just like I was when I got this medicine. I've had it for a week before I finally decided to take it. I had worked myself up over this medicine so bad that I was barely eating anything. So yesterday, I finally decided to take it. I had a small meal at dinner time, then waited a couple of hours, ate 4 pieces of bread, and then took the two 500mg pills, and absolutely nothing happened. I'm so upset at myself for waiting this long. So if you have severe anxiety and a phobia of getting sick, DON'T BE SCARED. IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN. You got this!"