Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Buprenorphine long-acting
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine long-acting: 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 may prolong the QT interval, so long-acting injectable buprenorphine given with azithromycin may add to arrhythmia risk. Because the injection cannot be withdrawn quickly, exposure persists for weeks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine long-acting 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
Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If azithromycin is used, check QTc and electrolytes in patients with cardiac 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 long-acting?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Buprenorphine long-acting 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 may prolong the QT interval, so long-acting injectable buprenorphine given with azithromycin may add to arrhythmia risk. Because the injection cannot be withdrawn quickly, exposure persists for weeks.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Buprenorphine long-acting?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. If azithromycin is used, check QTc and electrolytes in patients with cardiac 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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