A cat taking azithromycin

Azithromycin (Zithromax®) for Cats and Dogs

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Overview of Azithromycin for Canines and Felines

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Brand Names and Other Names for Azithromycin

Uses of Azithromycin for Dogs and Cats

The most common uses of azithromycin in pets are for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible microorganisms involving the skin, respiratory tract, and urogenital systems. Additional uses are for the treatment of otitis media (inner ear infections), bacterial causes of keratitis and conjunctivitis, cyclosporine-induced gingival hyperplasia, acute cytauxzoonosis, toxoplasmosis, and Babesia gibsoni infections. There is also evidence that azithromycin may aid in the treatment of viral papillomatosis in dogs.

Got questions about your pet’s prescription or health concerns in general? Chewy’s Connect with a Vet ™ service connects you directly with a licensed veterinarian to get answers to commonly asked questions, discuss health and wellness concerns, and get referrals to local vets and emergency clinics.

Key Points About Giving Azithromycin to Your Pet

  • Azithromycin is an antibiotic used in dogs and cats to treat respiratory, urinary, and skin infections.
  • Azithromycin is not available over the counter. It is a prescription drug and should only be administered under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. A prescription can be obtained from your veterinarian and filled at veterinary hospitals or most human pharmacies.
  • The dosage, duration, and frequency of treatment varies depending upon the underlying condition, response to the medication, and the development of adverse effects.
  • Azithromycin can interact with other medications.
  • While generally safe and effective, azithromycin does have side effects in some pets with diarrhea being the most common.

Precautions and Side Effects

Drug Interactions

Azithromycin can interact with certain medications that include:

How Azithromycin Is Supplied and Stored

Most veterinary and human pharmacies inventory tablet sizes (250 and 500 mg) and powder for oral suspension (200 mg/5 mL). Other formulations are generally available by special order.

Azithromycin is supplied as:

Dosing Information on Azithromycin for Dogs and Cats