Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Fingolimod
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Fingolimod: 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
Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin also prolongs QT. Combined use may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Fingolimod 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; Fingolimod belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with fingolimod-induced bradycardia increasing susceptibility to torsades.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor with ECG and correct electrolytes, with cardiology input for high-risk patients.
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 Fingolimod
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Fingolimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Fingolimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Fingolimod?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Fingolimod 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. Fingolimod causes bradycardia and can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin also prolongs QT. Combined use may increase the risk of serious arrhythmia including torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Fingolimod?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible and choose a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor with ECG and correct electrolytes, with cardiology input for high-risk patients.
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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