Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Clofazimine
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Clofazimine: major 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 can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or underlying cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Clofazimine 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; Clofazimine belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc during therapy; consider alternatives if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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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 Clofazimine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Clofazimine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Clofazimine 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or underlying cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Clofazimine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor the QTc during therapy; consider alternatives if QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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