Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Buprenorphine buccal
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine buccal: 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
Both drugs can lengthen the QT interval, so giving them together may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The effect of buccal buprenorphine is dose-related and is generally modest, but azithromycin adds to it.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine buccal 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 pharmacodynamic QT prolongation through cardiac repolarization effects.
What to do
Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when feasible. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc especially in patients with other 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 Azithromycin with Buprenorphine buccal?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Buprenorphine buccal 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. Both drugs can lengthen the QT interval, so giving them together may raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The effect of buccal buprenorphine is dose-related and is generally modest, but azithromycin adds to it.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Buprenorphine buccal?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when feasible. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc especially in patients with other 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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