Drug reference
azithromycin
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Anti Bacterial (Macrolides)
Mechanism of action
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and blocks dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest; does not affect nucleic acid synthesis
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Loose stool
- Elevated ALT, AST, creatinine
- Elevated LDH, bilirubin
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to azithromycin, erythromycin, any macrolides or ketolides History of cholestatic jaundice/hepatic dysfunction associated with prior use of azithromycin
Known interactions (15)
- azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- azithromycin + dronedarone Contraindicated
- azithromycin + pimozide Contraindicated
- azithromycin + piperaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + azithromycin Major
- azithromycin + clarithromycin Major
- azithromycin + colchicine Major
- azithromycin + hydroxychloroquine Major
- azithromycin + lumefantrine Major
- atorvastatin + azithromycin Moderate
- azithromycin + Cardiac Disease Moderate
- azithromycin + Furosemide Moderate
- azithromycin + Omeprazole Moderate
- azithromycin + statin Moderate
- azithromycin + warfarin Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is azithromycin?
azithromycin belongs to: Anti Bacterial.
How does azithromycin work?
Binds to 50S ribosomal subunit of susceptible microorganisms and blocks dissociation of peptidyl tRNA from ribosomes, causing RNA-dependent protein synthesis to arrest; does not affect nucleic acid synthesis
What are the common side effects of azithromycin?
Nausea, Loose stool, Elevated ALT, AST, creatinine, Elevated LDH, bilirubin, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea
Which drugs interact with azithromycin?
Domperidone, dronedarone, pimozide, piperaquine, Amiodarone, clarithromycin, colchicine, hydroxychloroquine, lumefantrine, atorvastatin, Cardiac Disease, Furosemide, Omeprazole, statin, warfarin
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