Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Eliglustat
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Eliglustat: 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
Eliglustat can prolong the PR, QRS and QT intervals at high plasma concentrations, and azithromycin has additional QT-prolonging effects. Combined use may increase proarrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Eliglustat 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; Eliglustat belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If azithromycin is required, obtain an ECG and monitor QTc, especially in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients on interacting inhibitors.
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 Eliglustat
- Amiodarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Eliglustat Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Itraconazole Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Ketoconazole Contraindicated
- Eliglustat + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Eliglustat?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Eliglustat 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. Eliglustat can prolong the PR, QRS and QT intervals at high plasma concentrations, and azithromycin has additional QT-prolonging effects. Combined use may increase proarrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Eliglustat?
MediHelp rates it major, 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. If azithromycin is required, obtain an ECG and monitor QTc, especially in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients on interacting inhibitors.
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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