Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Epinephrine
Severity: Minor
Azithromycin and Epinephrine: 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
Epinephrine can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, which may increase susceptibility to QT-related arrhythmia with azithromycin. The interaction is mostly theoretical with emergency or brief use, and more relevant with repeated systemic dosing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Epinephrine 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; Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Epinephrine-induced beta-adrenergic effects and potassium shifts may add to azithromycin's QT prolongation.
What to do
No routine change is needed for emergency use. Monitor ECG and potassium if systemic epinephrine is given repeatedly or infused.
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 Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Azithromycin and Epinephrine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Epinephrine can cause hypokalemia and tachyarrhythmias, which may increase susceptibility to QT-related arrhythmia with azithromycin. The interaction is mostly theoretical with emergency or brief use, and more relevant with repeated systemic dosing.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Epinephrine?
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 routine change is needed for emergency use. Monitor ECG and potassium if systemic epinephrine is given repeatedly or infused.
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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