Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Cetirizine
Severity: Minor
Azithromycin and Cetirizine: minor 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
Azithromycin inhibits P-glycoprotein in vitro, which could modestly raise cetirizine exposure. Cetirizine has a wide safety margin and clinically significant effects are not expected.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Cetirizine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cetirizine belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux of cetirizine by azithromycin.
What to do
No dose change is needed; watch for increased drowsiness.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cetirizine
- Acrivastine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Amisulpride + Cetirizine Moderate
- Asenapine + Cetirizine Moderate
- Avapritinib + Cetirizine Moderate
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Cetirizine Moderate
- Brexpiprazole + Cetirizine Moderate
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 Cetirizine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Azithromycin and Cetirizine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Azithromycin inhibits P-glycoprotein in vitro, which could modestly raise cetirizine exposure. Cetirizine has a wide safety margin and clinically significant effects are not expected.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Cetirizine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed; watch for increased drowsiness.
What other medicines interact with Cetirizine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cetirizine with, for example, Acrivastine, Amisulpride, Asenapine. The full list is on the Cetirizine page.
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