Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Ciprofloxacin
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin: 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 antibiotics can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of arrhythmia, although absolute risk is small in most patients. Caution is greater in those with cardiac disease, electrolyte problems or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin 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.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors, and correct electrolytes. Obtain an ECG if combined therapy is necessary.
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
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin 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 antibiotics can prolong the QT interval, so combined use may add to the risk of arrhythmia, although absolute risk is small in most patients. Caution is greater in those with cardiac disease, electrolyte problems or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination in patients with QT risk factors, and correct electrolytes. Obtain an ECG if combined therapy is necessary.
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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