Alternatives to azithromycin
FDA shortage status is active for azithromycin; 2 same-class SPL records are listed below for registry comparison only.
Brand: Zithromax, Z-Pack
azithromycin class peers while FDA lists an active shortage
azithromycin (Zithromax, Z-Pack) is on an FDA shortage listing while 2 other Macrolide Antibiotic SPL records remain in this registry peer set (class inventory 3). Labeled indication field for azithromycin: Azithromycin treats mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria.
Top FAERS reaction fields for azithromycin total 20,069 reports across 10 reactions, set beside clarithromycin, erythromycin. Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not per-patient risk.
About azithromycin
Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat many different types of infections.
Used for: Azithromycin treats mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. In adults, it can treat bronchitis, sinus infections, skin infections, urethritis, cervicitis, and genital ulcers. In children over 6 months old, it can treat ear infections and pneumonia. It can also treat pharyngitis/tonsillitis in children 2 years and older.
2 Macrolide Antibiotic peers (wide set)
clarithromycin
RxBiaxin
Clarithromycin treats mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. It can treat bronchitis, sinus infections, pneumonia, and throat/tonsil infections. It also treats skin infections, ear infections in children, certain mycobacterial infections, and H. pylori infections that cause ulcers.
erythromycin
RxE-Mycin, Ery-Tab
Erythromycin Topical Solution treats acne vulgaris. This medicine helps to reduce acne on your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. It works by fighting the bacteria that cause acne.
azithromycin vs clarithromycin & erythromycin · FAERS reaction fields
FAERS top-reaction field "Pain" shows the widest count spread between azithromycin and clarithromycin, erythromycin in this extract (1,220-report gap on that field). Counts are exposure-weighted submissions, not prevalence rates.
| Side Effect | azithromycin | clarithromycin | erythromycin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dyspnoea | 3,059 | 1,959 | 1,023 |
| Nausea | 2,232 | 2,214 | 1,271 |
| Pain | 2,205 | 985 | 779 |
| Pneumonia | 2,085 | 1,228 | 654 |
| Cough | 2,031 | 940 | - |
| Diarrhoea | 1,826 | 1,937 | 1,069 |
| Fatigue | 1,754 | 1,146 | 1,012 |
| Headache | 1,657 | 1,518 | 866 |
"-" means no reports for that reaction. Report counts reflect total FAERS submissions, not prevalence rates.
azithromycin shortage vs Macrolide Antibiotic peer index
Shortage status
FDA shortage listing is active for azithromycin (status: To Be Discontinued). Peer rows remain a registry index, not a switch guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does FDA list a shortage for azithromycin while peers remain indexed? ▼
Registry note: Shortage listings and peer indexes are for registry orientation only. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not stop or change your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
Field note for azithromycin: see also the generic vs brand label guide when reading Zithromax SPL strings.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.