Drug interactions
Ampicillin + Azithromycin
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin and Azithromycin: minor interaction.
Last updated
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.
Summary
Azithromycin is bacteriostatic and may theoretically diminish the bactericidal action of ampicillin. Clinical significance is unproven and the pair is often given together, for example in pneumonia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin and Azithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ampicillin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: growth inhibition reduces killing by cell-wall-active beta-lactams.
What to do
No routine change is needed; monitor clinical response in serious infections.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ampicillin
- Allopurinol + Ampicillin Moderate
- Ampicillin + Bcg vaccine live Moderate
- Ampicillin + Chloramphenicol Moderate
- Ampicillin + Chloroquine Moderate
- Ampicillin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Ampicillin + Demeclocycline Moderate
Other interactions of Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ampicillin with Azithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin and Azithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Azithromycin is bacteriostatic and may theoretically diminish the bactericidal action of ampicillin. Clinical significance is unproven and the pair is often given together, for example in pneumonia.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin and Azithromycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; monitor clinical response in serious infections.
What other medicines interact with Ampicillin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ampicillin with, for example, Allopurinol, Bcg vaccine live, Chloramphenicol. The full list is on the Ampicillin page.
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