Azithromycin Dosage – Simple Facts for Adults and Kids

If you’ve been prescribed azithromycin, you probably want to know exactly how much to take and when. The good news is the dosing is usually straightforward, but it can change depending on your age, weight, and the infection you’re treating. Below you’ll get the most common schedules, tips for missed doses, and safety pointers you can use right away.

Typical adult dosing

For most infections, doctors give a “single‑dose” regimen: 500 mg on day 1 followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2‑5. This is the classic “5‑day Z‑pack.” Some skin or respiratory infections need a slightly different plan, like 500 mg once daily for three days straight.

If you have kidney problems, the doctor may lower the dose to 250 mg daily for the whole course. Always follow the exact numbers your pharmacist writes on the bottle – they’re tailored to your health status.

Kids and special cases

Children get a weight‑based dose, usually 10 mg per kilogram of body weight on day 1, then 5 mg/kg once daily for the next four days. A pediatric bottle will be labeled in milliliters, so check the concentration (often 200 mg/5 ml) and calculate the right volume.

For infants under six months or kids with liver disease, doctors might choose a different antibiotic altogether. Never give adult tablets to a child unless a doctor tells you to crush them and mix with food.

When you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed pill – don’t double up. Skipping too many doses can let the infection come back.

Azithromycin can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or a mild headache. If you get a rash, fever, or trouble breathing, stop the drug and call a doctor right away. It also interacts with some heart drugs (like certain anti‑arrhythmics), so let your prescriber know about any other meds you’re on.

Finish the whole course even if you feel better. Stopping early gives bacteria a chance to survive and become resistant, making future infections harder to treat.

Need a quick reference? Here’s a cheat‑sheet you can write down:

• Adults – standard infection: 500 mg day 1, then 250 mg daily days 2‑5.
• Adults – short‑course (3 days): 500 mg each day.
• Kids (weight‑based): 10 mg/kg day 1, then 5 mg/kg days 2‑5.
• Kidney issues: 250 mg daily for 5 days (adult).

Remember to take azithromycin with or without food – it works either way. If you have any doubts, call your pharmacy; they can double‑check the numbers for you.

Keeping this guide handy will help you stick to the right schedule and avoid common pitfalls. Stay on top of your treatment, and you’ll be back to feeling normal faster.