What is the brand name for Azithromycin?
The brand name for Azithromycin is Zithromax.
PTCE Top 200 · #64
Azithromycin
Zithromax
Azithromycin is the generic name for the brand-name drug Zithromax. It is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Azithromycin ranks #64 and is one of the most frequently tested infectious disease medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Azithromycin |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Zithromax |
| Drug class | Macrolide antibiotic |
| Class group | Infectious Disease |
| Common use | bacterial infections |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Azithromycin used for?
• Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory, skin, some STIs such as chlamydia).
What drug class is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a Macrolide antibiotic in the Infectious Disease group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Azithromycin
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightAbdominal pain
- arrow_rightQT prolongation (risk)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightOther QT-prolonging drugs ↑ arrhythmia risk
- arrow_rightWarfarin: may ↑ INR/bleeding risk (monitor)
- arrow_rightAntacids containing aluminum/magnesium may reduce absorption (separate dosing)
- arrow_rightDrugs affecting arrhythmia risk (electrolyte disturbances) increase risk
Is Azithromycin a controlled substance?
No. Azithromycin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Azithromycin (PTCE mnemonic)
ZITH-romax = Z-Pak — azithro-MYCIN is a macrolide. 5-day pack, long half-life; QT prolongation, GI upset; ↓warfarin metab → ↑INR.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Azithromycin (the 'Z-Pak') is a macrolide antibiotic — the suffix -thromycin flags the class; known for a short 5-day course.
Azithromycin FAQ
What is Azithromycin used for?
Azithromycin is used to treat bacterial infections. • Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory, skin, some STIs such as chlamydia).
What drug class is Azithromycin?
Azithromycin is a Macrolide antibiotic (Infectious Disease group).
Is Azithromycin a controlled substance?
No. Azithromycin is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Infectious Disease group
Drill Azithromycin the way the PTCE asks it
RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).