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Azithromycin

Prescription

Macrolide antibiotic (azalide)

Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

3 available

Interactions

1 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis

At a glance

Class

Macrolide antibiotic (azalide)

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store below 30°C. Reconstituted suspension: store at room temperature, use within 10 days

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Respiratory infections (Bordetella, Mycoplasma)

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

500 mg

Duration: 5-7 days or pulse therapy (5 days on, 5 off)

Papillomatosis

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

500 mg

Duration: 10-14 days

🐈

Cat

Upper respiratory infections

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

SID

Max dose

100 mg

Duration: 5-7 days

Bartonellosis

Dose

5–10 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

EOD

Max dose

100 mg

Duration: 21 days

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength

250mg

Available in India

Strength

500mg

Available in India

🧴

Suspension — 1

Strength

200mg/5mL

Available in India

Storage

Store below 30°C. Reconstituted suspension: store at room temperature, use within 10 days

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

Known macrolide hypersensitivity
Cross-reactivity with erythromycin/clarithromycin

Use with caution

Hepatic impairment
Drug is hepatically metabolized — use with caution
Concurrent antacids
Reduced absorption — give 1-2h apart

Adverse effects

Common

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Soft stools

Serious

Hepatotoxicity

QT prolongation (rare)

Monitoring parameters

GI toleranceLiver enzymes for prolonged use

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 1

Cyclosporine (Systemic)

moderate

Azithromycin inhibits P-glycoprotein, potentially increasing cyclosporine levels. Less CYP3A4 inhibition than erythromycin or clarithromycin, but P-gp effect is relevant.

Management: Monitor cyclosporine levels if high-dose or prolonged azithromycin course. Usually clinically modest interaction.

Educational reference only

Brands

International

Zithromax

Pfizer

India

Azithral

Alembic

Azee

Cipla

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Azithromycin?

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic (azalide) used in pets. Binds to the 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis

›What is Azithromycin used for in pets?

Azithromycin is used in veterinary medicine for: Respiratory infections (Bordetella, Mycoplasma); Papillomatosis; Upper respiratory infections; Bartonellosis.

›What is the Azithromycin dose for dogs?

For dogs, Azithromycin is typically dosed as follows — Respiratory infections (Bordetella, Mycoplasma): 5–10 mg/kg PO SID; Papillomatosis: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Azithromycin dose for cats?

For cats, Azithromycin is typically dosed as follows — Upper respiratory infections: 5–10 mg/kg PO SID; Bartonellosis: 5–10 mg/kg PO EOD. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What are the side effects of Azithromycin?

Common: Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Soft stools. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation (rare).

›Does Azithromycin need a prescription?

Yes. Azithromycin is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

›When should Azithromycin not be used?

Do not use Azithromycin if: Known macrolide hypersensitivity.

Educational reference only