azithromycin vs fluconazole

PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.

Side-by-side comparison of azithromycin and fluconazole. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

minor Known Drug Interaction

) Azithromycin: An open-label, randomized, three-way crossover study in 18 healthy subjects assessed the effect of a single 800 mg oral dose of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of a single 1200 mg oral dose of azithromycin as well as the effects of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between fluconazole and azithromycin. Azithromycin : An open-label, randomized, three-way crossover study in 18 healthy subjects assessed the effect of a single 1200 mg oral dose of azithromycin on the pharmacokinetics of a single 800 mg...

Drug Class
azithromycin Macrolide Antibiotic
fluconazole Azole Antifungal
Type
azithromycin Prescription
fluconazole Prescription
Summary
azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria. It is used to treat many different types of infections.

fluconazole

Fluconazole is an antifungal medicine. It is used to treat infections caused by fungus.

What It Treats
azithromycin

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.

fluconazole

Fluconazole treats vaginal yeast infections. It also treats yeast infections in the mouth and esophagus. Fluconazole can also treat urinary tract infections, peritonitis, systemic Candida infections, and pneumonia. It can also treat cryptococcal meningitis. Fluconazole can also prevent candidiasis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

How It Works
azithromycin

Azithromycin belongs to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This helps your body fight off the infection.

fluconazole

Fluconazole works by stopping the growth of fungi. It blocks the fungus from producing a substance it needs to grow. This helps to clear up the infection.

Common Side Effects
azithromycin
  • Diarrhea (5-14%)
  • Nausea (3-18%)
  • Abdominal pain (3-7%)
  • Vomiting (2-7%)
fluconazole
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
FAERS Reports
azithromycin
  • Dyspnoea 3,059
  • Nausea 2,232
  • Pain 2,205
  • Pneumonia 2,085
  • Cough 2,031
fluconazole
  • Pyrexia 4,121
  • Nausea 3,697
  • Diarrhoea 3,538
  • Fatigue 3,151
  • Pain 3,123
Serious Warnings
azithromycin

This drug can cause serious allergic reactions, liver problems, and heart rhythm changes. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, like rash or swelling. Also, tell your doctor if you have liver problems, heart problems, or muscle weakness.

fluconazole

Coadministration of other drugs known to prolong the QT interval and which are metabolized via the enzyme CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, pimozide, and quinidine are contraindicated in patients receiving fluconazole.

Pregnancy
azithromycin

Studies haven't shown major risks to the baby during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medicine.

fluconazole

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Fluconazole may not be safe for your baby. Talk to your doctor about breastfeeding while taking fluconazole.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This azithromycin vs fluconazole Comparison

azithromycin is classified in the Macrolide Antibiotic drug class, while fluconazole sits within the Azole Antifungal class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, azithromycin has 11,612 submissions while fluconazole has 17,630. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to studies show these drugs do not significantly change how the body processes each other.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for azithromycin or fluconazole.

Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.