A Z-Pak is a commonly used name for a 5-day azithromycin regimen supplied as six 250 mg tablets. A common adult regimen is two 250 mg tablets on Day 1 followed by one 250 mg tablet daily on Days 2 through 5. Always follow the directions on your own prescription label.

Azithromycin is used for certain infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Depending on the patient and diagnosis, this can include some respiratory, skin, ear, and sexually transmitted bacterial infections. It should be used only when prescribed for an infection proven or strongly suspected to be bacterial.

Response time varies with the infection and the patient. Take azithromycin exactly as prescribed and complete the prescribed course unless your prescriber tells you otherwise. Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, serious symptoms develop, or you are not improving as expected.

Follow the directions on your prescription label. A common 5-day adult Z-Pak regimen is 500 mg on Day 1 (two 250 mg tablets), followed by 250 mg once daily on Days 2 through 5. Your prescriber may use a different regimen depending on the condition being treated.

Common adverse effects can include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting. Serious reactions are uncommon but can include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, abnormal heart rhythm, and severe or persistent diarrhea. Seek medical attention for serious or concerning symptoms.

Do not take azithromycin if you have had a serious allergy to azithromycin, erythromycin, or another macrolide/ketolide antibiotic, or if you previously had cholestatic jaundice or liver dysfunction associated with azithromycin. Tell your prescriber about heart-rhythm problems, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, and all medicines or supplements you take.

Yes. Azithromycin is prescription-only. Joe Pill can dispense it after receiving a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Joe Pill accepts prescriptions sent directly by independent licensed prescribers.

Alcohol is not listed as a direct interaction with azithromycin, but it may worsen nausea, dizziness, stomach upset, or dehydration while you are ill. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you have questions about alcohol and your specific treatment.

No. Azithromycin is an antibiotic and does not treat influenza, COVID-19, or other viral infections. A prescriber may use an antibiotic only when a bacterial infection is diagnosed or strongly suspected.

Azithromycin has a relatively long terminal half-life and remains in tissues after the final dose. This pharmacokinetic property helps support once-daily dosing for many approved regimens. Follow your prescription directions rather than extending or repeating treatment on your own.