Based on FDA | Does azithromycin contain any egg-derived ingredients, and is it safe to take if I’m allergic to eggs?

Short answer

Azithromycin products do not contain egg-derived ingredients, and they are generally considered safe to use if you have an egg allergy. ^{[1] [2]} That said, specific inactive ingredients vary by brand and formulation (tablet vs. suspension), so it’s wise to check the exact product label or ask your pharmacist to confirm the excipients in the version you’ll take. ^{[3] [4]}

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What azithromycin contains

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic; the active ingredient is azithromycin (commonly listed as azithromycin dihydrate or azithromycin monohydrate). ^[1] The inactive ingredients (excipients) depend on the dosage form and manufacturer:

• Tablets commonly list excipients such as croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol (macrogol), pregelatinized starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and various colorants. None of these are egg-derived. ^{[1] [3]}
• Oral suspensions typically include sucrose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, xanthan gum, tribasic sodium phosphate, flavorings (e.g., cherry/banana/vanilla), and dyes like FD&C Red No. 40; again, these are not egg-derived. ^{[2] [4]}

In multiple official labeling entries, egg or egg protein is not listed among the ingredients for azithromycin tablets or oral suspensions. ^{[1] [2] [4]}

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Egg allergy considerations

• Egg allergy reactions are caused by immune responses to egg proteins (like ovalbumin), which are not present in standard azithromycin formulations. This means azithromycin is generally safe for individuals with egg allergy. ^{[1] [2]}
• Unlike certain vaccines historically made using egg-based processes, azithromycin is a chemically synthesized/fermentation-derived drug and its listed excipients do not include egg derivatives across several brands. ^{[1] [2] [4]}

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Important excipient caveats (not egg-related)

While egg derivatives are not used, a few non-egg excipients may matter for some people:

• Colorants: Some generic azithromycin tablets include dyes in the film coating; very rarely, hypersensitivity to certain colorants (e.g., carmine/cochineal) has been reported with medications, including a case tied to a specific generic azithromycin coating. This is an allergy to the dye, not to azithromycin itself or egg. Choosing a brand without that dye resolved the issue in the case report. ^[5]
• Flavorings and sugars: Pediatric suspensions contain sucrose and artificial flavors, which can be relevant for sugar intolerance or specific flavor sensitivities, but these are not egg-based. ^{[2] [4]}

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Practical guidance

• Check your specific product: Ingredient lists differ by manufacturer; your pharmacy can provide the package insert or confirm excipients for the exact NDC you’ll receive. ^{[3] [4]}
• If you’ve had reactions to dyes (such as carmine/cochineal) or specific excipients, ask for a dye-free or alternative brand; pharmacists can often source a suitable formulation. ^[5]
• If you have a history of severe anaphylaxis and remain concerned, consider taking the first dose under observation or discussing with your clinician, although routine precaution solely for egg allergy is usually not necessary with azithromycin. ^[6]

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Representative ingredient information

The table below summarizes typical excipients seen in official azithromycin labels; formulations vary by brand, so this is illustrative rather than exhaustive.

Dosage form	Active ingredient wording	Common excipients listed	Egg-derived?
Tablet (film‑coated)	Azithromycin dihydrate	Croscarmellose sodium; dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous; hypromellose; magnesium stearate; polyethylene glycol; pregelatinized starch; sodium lauryl sulfate; titanium dioxide; optional colorants	No egg ingredients listed. [1]
Tablet (film‑coated; other brand)	Azithromycin dihydrate	Croscarmellose sodium; dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous; macrogol/PEG; magnesium stearate; polyvinyl alcohol; pregelatinized starch; talc; dyes (FD&C Blue #1, Red #40, Yellow #6), lecithin	No egg ingredients listed; check dye/lecithin source if sensitive. [3]
Oral suspension (powder for reconstitution)	Azithromycin monohydrate/dihydrate	Sucrose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; xanthan gum; tribasic sodium phosphate; flavors (cherry/banana/vanilla); FD&C Red No. 40	No egg ingredients listed. [2] [4]

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Bottom line

Based on official labeling across multiple azithromycin tablet and suspension products, egg-derived components are not used, and azithromycin is generally safe for people with egg allergy. ^{[1] [2]} For extra reassurance, confirm the exact excipient list of your specific brand with your pharmacist, especially if you have known sensitivities to dyes or other additives. ^{[3] [4]}