Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Haloperidol
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Haloperidol: 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
Both agents prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. The risk rises with intravenous haloperidol, high doses, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Haloperidol 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; Haloperidol belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade causing delayed ventricular repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic is available. If unavoidable, correct electrolytes, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
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
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 Haloperidol
- Dofetilide + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Haloperidol Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Panobinostat Contraindicated
- Haloperidol + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Haloperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Haloperidol 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 agents prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. The risk rises with intravenous haloperidol, high doses, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Haloperidol?
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 an alternative antibiotic is available. If unavoidable, correct electrolytes, obtain a baseline and follow-up ECG, and use the lowest effective haloperidol dose.
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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