Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Ceritinib
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Ceritinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Ceritinib causes concentration-dependent QT prolongation and bradycardia, and azithromycin adds further QT risk. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Ceritinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ceritinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation; ceritinib is also a CYP3A4 substrate but azithromycin is a weak inhibitor.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and correct potassium and magnesium.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- Azithromycin 200mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval; "Azithromycin should be used with caution in patients receiving medicinal products known to prolong the QT interval") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Ceritinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Ceritinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Ceritinib causes concentration-dependent QT prolongation and bradycardia, and azithromycin adds further QT risk. Together they may raise the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Ceritinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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