FDA pharmacologic class
Macrolides
3 medicines are in FDA's class of macrolide antimicrobials (macrolides): azithromycin (Zithromax), erythromycin (Ery-Ped) and clarithromycin; 1 combination product also contains one. All 4 are listed from generic labelers (FDA NDC Directory, October 8, 2026). The lowest pharmacy cost is azithromycin 250 mg tablet at $0.266 per tablet (NADAC).
Which medicines are macrolides?
| Medicine | Brand names | Generic labelers (all forms) | Pharmacy cost | Boxed warning | Shortage | Recalls since 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin | Zithromax, Azasite | 55 labelers | $0.266 per tablet 250 mg tablet | No | A presentation being discontinued | 11 |
| Erythromycin | Ery-Ped, Ery-Tab, Ery | 38 labelers | $1.96 per tablet 250 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 2 |
| Clarithromycin | none listed | 26 labelers | $0.466 per tablet 500 mg tablet | No | No current entry | 3 |
| Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin | Benzamycin | 1 labeler | $1.32 per gram Erythromycin-benzoyl gel | No | No current entry | 0 |
Source: FDA Established Pharmacologic Class (NDC Directory, openFDA); CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026; FDA shortages and recalls (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay?
Each medicine's most widely listed form, per unit, in the NADAC survey: what pharmacies paid, not what a patient pays; strengths differ, so compare like with like.
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price