Get an online Azithromycin prescription within 5 minutes
Azithromycin (Z-Pack) is a macrolide antibiotic that treats a wide range of bacterial infections, including sinus infections, chest infections, strep throat, and pneumonia. Talk to a licensed doctor from home. If Azithromycin is right for you, your prescription is sent to your pharmacy for same-day pickup.
- Get refills and a new prescription
- Get expert guidance on dose and course length
Subscription starting from $20/month.
Includes unlimited consultations, prescriptions, and a doctor’s note
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Benefits of getting your Azithromycin prescription from Your Doctors Online
Choosing our telehealth service for your Azithromycin needs means you will benefit from a faster, more convenient healthcare experience.
24/7 access when an infection flares
Bacterial infections do not wait for Monday morning. A sinus infection that starts on a Saturday, a chest infection that gets worse overnight, or a strep throat that hits over a holiday, our doctors are available 24/7, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, so you can start your antibiotic course when you actually need it.
Licensed doctors who confirm the right diagnosis
Azithromycin treats specific bacterial infections and is not appropriate for every illness. Prescribing it without a proper diagnosis contributes to antibiotic resistance. Every consultation at Your Doctors Online is with a board-certified U.S. physician who will confirm whether your infection is bacterial, which antibiotic is most appropriate, and what course length and dose are right for you.
Prescription sent to your pharmacy the same day
Your e-prescription is sent to the pharmacy of your choice within minutes of your consultation. Real-time tracking shows when the pharmacy receives, processes, and fills it. Most patients pick up their Azithromycin the same day.
$20/month flat fee, prescription included
Your subscription covers your consult, your Azithromycin prescription, any follow-up, doctor's notes, and lab orders if your doctor needs them. No per-visit fees. No charge for refills inside your subscription period.
How to get an Azithromycin prescription online?
Getting your Azithromycin prescription through an online doctor is simple. Here is how the process works:
Start Your Consultation
Create an account, share your medical history, and describe your symptoms. Tell the doctor when your symptoms started, any medications or allergies you have, and whether you have used antibiotics recently.
Meet a licensed provider
Your doctor will review your medical history via video, audio, or text chat to assess the type, severity, and likely cause of your infection. They will confirm whether a bacterial infection is present and whether Azithromycin is the appropriate treatment.
Receive your Azithromycin prescription
If you are diagnosed with a bacterial infection for which Azithromycin is appropriate, your doctor will send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. Because our service is 24/7, you could have a valid prescription in under 5 minutes, even on evenings or weekends.
What is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from producing the proteins they need to grow and multiply. It does not kill bacteria directly but prevents them from spreading, allowing the immune system to clear the infection.
It is sold under the brand name Zithromax and is widely available as a generic. The term "Z-Pack" refers to a common 5-day dose pack format, though the exact packaging varies by pharmacy.
Get Azithromycin Refill NowAzithromycin
Generic · Zithromax (brand)Who is eligible for an online Azithromycin prescription?
Azithromycin is prescription-only in the U.S. Our telehealth doctors can prescribe it online when you meet these criteria:
You are eligible if
Meet any criteria below
You are not eligible if
Discuss alternatives with a doctor
How much does Azithromycin cost?
Generic Azithromycin is one of the most affordable antibiotics available. The brand name Zithromax is more expensive, but generic versions are widely stocked at all major pharmacies.
Consultation Plan — $20/month
Unlimited consults, refills, and doctor's notes. 24/7 availability.
Cost with insurance
| Plan Type | Generic | Zithromax (brand) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part D | $0 to $18 | Prescriptions for brand-name Zithromax are not currently covered by Medicare prescription plans. |
| Medicaid | $0 to $4 | Varies |
| Commercial HMO or PPO | $5 to $15 | The average retail price for brand-name Zithromax is around $77.92 for 6 tablets. With insurance it depends heavily on the tier the plan assigns it to. |
| ACA Plans | $5 to $15 | $30 to $80 |
Cost without insurance
- 6-tablet Z-Pack (generic): $15 to $30 at most pharmacies.
- Walmart, Costco, Kroger: lowest cash prices.
- CVS, Walgreens: higher retail prices.
Tip: Use a discount card like GoodRx at the counter to secure the lowest cash prices at any pharmacy.
Conditions that Azithromycin can treat
Our doctors prescribe Azithromycin for bacterial infections where it is clinically appropriate.
- Acute bacterial sinusitisGuidelines increasingly favor amoxicillin-clavulanate first, due to rising resistance among common sinus pathogens.
- Community-acquired pneumoniaAppropriate as monotherapy only in healthy patients without other health conditions; not recommended alone for patients with comorbidities, recent antibiotic use, or in areas with higher macrolide resistance.
- Acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Strep throat and tonsillitis, for penicillin-allergic patients
- Chlamydia, urethritis, or cervicitisSecond-line per current CDC guidance; doxycycline is now preferred. Azithromycin remains the choice during pregnancy or when a multi-day course isn't practical.
- Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections
- Acute otitis media (ear infections) in children, typically for penicillin-allergic patients
- Traveler's diarrhea caused by susceptible bacteria
Go to the ER instead
Go to an ER if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever with confusion, signs of severe pneumonia, or symptoms that are worsening rapidly despite treatment. These may indicate a serious or resistant infection requiring IV antibiotics and in-person emergency care.
Strengths and dosages of Azithromycin
Available in 250 mg and 500 mg tablets and liquid suspension. Your doctor will prescribe the dose and course length appropriate for your specific infection.
Tablets
Most prescribed form- Z-Pack (pharyngitis, skin infections, pneumonia): 500 mg on day 1, then 250 mg once daily on days 2 through 5.
- Sinusitis: 500 mg once daily for 3 days. This is a shorter course than the 5-day Z-Pack — the two are not interchangeable.
- Chlamydia: single 1 g dose (two 500 mg tablets taken at once).
Oral suspension
Liquid alternativeCommonly used for children and patients who cannot swallow tablets.
Important: Always complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better before finishing. Stopping early allows surviving bacteria to develop resistance.
Side effects of Azithromycin
Most people on a short course experience only mild side effects. These are most common in the first couple of days and usually improve as treatment continues.
Common, mild effects
- Nausea or stomach upset (most common, especially on an empty stomach)
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Vomiting
Less common, more serious
- Irregular heart rhythm or QT prolongation. Risk is higher in patients with existing heart conditions.
- Severe allergic reaction, including rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Liver problems with prolonged use.
Contraindications and precautions
A safety checklist that your doctor will walk through with you before starting treatment.
- Do not take Azithromycin if you have a known allergy to it, other macrolide antibiotics such as Clarithromycin or Erythromycin, or ketolide antibiotics.
- Do not use Azithromycin for viral infections such as colds, flu, or COVID-19. It will not work and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
- Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, QT prolongation, or are taking other medications that affect heart rhythm.
- Tell your doctor about all current medications, particularly Warfarin, Cyclosporin, Digoxin, and Colchicine, as Azithromycin can increase their effects.
- Use with caution if you have liver disease. Inform your doctor of any liver conditions before starting.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before starting Azithromycin.
- Complete the full course as prescribed. Do not stop early because symptoms have improved.
Meet our online doctors in the United States
Dr. Richard Honaker is a board-certified physician with more than 40 years of experience in family and emergency medicine. He serves as Chief Medical Advisor at Your Doctors Online and is affiliated with Medical City Plano in Texas. Recognized multiple times by D Magazine and Texas Monthly, Dr. Honaker provides evidence-based care across a wide range of conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and injury care.
Dr. Monique Rainford is an OB/GYN expert and Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale School of Medicine. With 25+ years of experience, she’s led OB/GYN departments at Yale Health and Baltimore Medical System. Her clinical interests include pregnancy, menstrual health, chronic pelvic conditions, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Rainford advocates for maternal health equity, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Candice Fraser is an OB/GYN practitioner and founder of Trinity Medical Care. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on reproductive care, menstrual health, and menopause management. Along with medical training and residency, she also holds an MBA in healthcare management, blending business insight with clinical excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you buy Azithromycin over the counter in the U.S.?
No. Azithromycin is a prescription-only antibiotic in the United States. It is not available over the counter at any pharmacy, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, or Costco. Sites that claim to sell it without a prescription are operating outside FDA regulation. The fastest legal route is a 5-minute telehealth consultation on Your Doctors Online. A licensed doctor reviews your case and, if appropriate, sends an online prescription to your local pharmacy.
Is it legal and safe to get an Azithromycin prescription online?
Yes. Getting an Azithromycin prescription through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform like Your Doctors Online is legal in the United States. Because Azithromycin is not a controlled substance, board-certified physicians can prescribe it through a telehealth consultation after a proper evaluation. Your Doctors Online is fully compliant with U.S. telehealth regulations.
How fast can I get an Azithromycin prescription online?
In less than an hour through Your Doctors Online. Sign in or create your account, start a consult, talk to a U.S.-licensed doctor over chat, video, or audio, and your prescription is sent to your chosen pharmacy in less than an hour, if Azithromycin is right for you.
How should I prepare for my online Azithromycin consultation?
Write down your main symptoms and when they started. Note any medication allergies, recent antibiotic use, and any existing conditions such as liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or current medications. Having this information ready helps the doctor confirm the right diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate course quickly.
What time of day should I take Azithromycin?
Take it at the same time each day. Morning is often recommended, as some patients report sleep disturbance when taking it in the evening.
Why is Azithromycin given for only 3 to 5 days?
Azithromycin has an unusually long half-life of approximately 68 hours, meaning it stays active in the body for several days after the last dose. This allows for shorter treatment courses compared to other antibiotics. The drug can remain in your system for up to 15 days after the final dose, which is why a short course is still clinically effective.
Should I stop taking Azithromycin once I feel better?
No. Always complete the full prescribed course unless your doctor instructs otherwise. Stopping early allows surviving bacteria to grow back and develop resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat. Even if you feel well after two days, continue taking every dose for the full duration prescribed.
What is the Azithromycin dose for a throat infection in adults?
For strep throat or tonsillitis in an adult with a penicillin allergy, the typical regimen is 500 mg on day 1, followed by 250 mg once daily on days 2 through 5. Note that Penicillin or Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for strep throat. Azithromycin is used when those are not suitable. Your doctor will confirm the right dose based on your specific situation.
How do I get Azithromycin for chlamydia?
A single oral dose of 1 g (two 500 mg tablets taken at once) is the Azithromycin regimen for uncomplicated chlamydia. However, Doxycycline taken twice daily for 7 days is now considered the preferred first-line treatment by most guidelines. Your doctor will advise on which is right for you based on your history and circumstances.
- Create an account
- Share your symptoms
- Talk to an online parasite doctor
- Get a prescription for Mebendazole at your local pharmacy
Is it safe to take Azithromycin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Azithromycin is a safe antibiotic. However, you must inform your doctor before taking Azithromycin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not automatically contraindicated, but your doctor needs to weigh the clinical need against the potential risks.
What are some alternatives to Azithromycin?
Depending on the infection type, your doctor may prescribe one of the following alternatives:
- Doxycycline (Vibramycin, Doryx)
- Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin with clavulanate (Augmentin)
- Clarithromycin
- Levofloxacin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Clindamycin
Always consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate antibiotic for your specific infection and allergy profile.
Azithromycin vs Amoxicillin: Which is better?
Neither is universally better. Amoxicillin is the preferred first-line treatment for strep throat and common respiratory infections. Azithromycin offers broader coverage and a shorter course (3 to 5 days versus 7 to 10 days), and is the go-to option for patients with penicillin allergies. Rising resistance has shifted several guidelines back toward Amoxicillin for some infections. Your doctor will choose based on your diagnosis, allergy history, and local resistance patterns.
What are some other antibiotic prescriptions available at Your Doctors Online?
Our doctors treat many bacterial infections and provide online antibiotic prescriptions for Clarithromycin, Levofloxacin, Clindamycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, Doxycycline, and Amoxicillin, among others.
Get your prescription now
Talk to a licensed doctor about your azithromycin prescription