Azithromycin is a generic drug prescribed for certain bacterial infections. The medication is available as the brand-name drug Zithromax. Azithromycin’s cost with and without insurance can depend on several factors, such as whether the drug has a savings program.

Azithromycin is available in these forms: oral tablet, oral suspension, and powder used in a liquid solution for intravenous (IV) injection. The medication belongs to the macrolide antibiotic drug class.

Read below to find out about azithromycin and cost, as well as how to save on prescriptions. If you’d like other information about azithromycin, refer to this article.

As with all medications, the cost of azithromycin can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include your treatment plan, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. It will also depend on the cost of the visit to your doctor to receive doses of azithromycin if they prescribe the injection form.

To find out what the cost of azithromycin will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and azithromycin.

How can I determine the cost of azithromycin without insurance?

The cost of azithromycin without insurance can vary. It might cost more than with insurance.

If you have questions about the cost of azithromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist may be able to help you determine what azithromycin costs without insurance, including the cost per pill you might pay.

Does the cost of azithromycin tablets vary by strength (250 mg, 500 mg)?

Yes, the cost of azithromycin tablets can vary by strength. The price you pay for azithromycin depends on several factors, including the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Azithromycin tablets are available in two strengths: 250 milligrams (mg) and 500 mg.

If you have questions about the cost of azithromycin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What’s the price of over-the-counter azithromycin?

Azithromycin isn’t available over the counter (OTC) in the United States. Azithromycin is a prescription drug, which means a doctor needs to prescribe it for you. OTC medications don’t require a prescription.

Your pharmacist may be able to help determine the price of azithromycin.

Azithromycin is a generic drug, which is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Azithromycin is available as the brand-name drug Zithromax. An eyedrop form of azithromycin is also available, which comes as the brand-name drug Azasite. However, azithromycin doesn’t come as a generic version in eyedrop form.

To find out how the cost of Zithromax compares with the cost of azithromycin, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If your doctor has prescribed azithromycin and you’re interested in using Zithromax instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for one version or the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may only cover one or the other.

Keep reading to learn about ways to reduce long-term drug costs of azithromycin treatment.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of azithromycin. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Azithromycin may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for azithromycin, consider looking into websites that offer cost resources and information. One such organization is NeedyMeds.

This site can provide details on drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and azithromycin, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance on cost issues related to you and azithromycin. But if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for azithromycin.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.