Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Isoflurane
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Isoflurane: moderate 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
Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin has similar effects. Perioperative use of both may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Isoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before surgery. Monitor the ECG intraoperatively and consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if the patient has other risk factors.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Isoflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Isoflurane can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Isoflurane can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin has similar effects. Perioperative use of both may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Isoflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before surgery. Monitor the ECG intraoperatively and consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if the patient has other risk factors.
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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