Drug interactions
Asenapine transdermal + Azithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Asenapine transdermal and Azithromycin: moderate 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
Asenapine can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. The risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia is higher with bradycardia, electrolyte abnormalities or structural heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine transdermal and Azithromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with additional QT risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Asenapine transdermal with Azithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Asenapine transdermal and Azithromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Asenapine can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. The risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia is higher with bradycardia, electrolyte abnormalities or structural heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine transdermal and Azithromycin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with additional QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Azithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Azithromycin with, for example, Cisapride, Domperidone, Dronedarone. The full list is on the Azithromycin page.
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