Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Buprenorphine subdermal implant
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine subdermal implant: 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 agents have the potential to prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. The QT effect of buprenorphine at implant exposure levels is small, so the concern is mainly in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If azithromycin is needed, check baseline 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 subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 agents have the potential to prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of ventricular arrhythmia. The QT effect of buprenorphine at implant exposure levels is small, so the concern is mainly in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Buprenorphine subdermal implant?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where possible. If azithromycin is needed, check baseline 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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