Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Lofexidine
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Lofexidine: 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
Lofexidine can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia and hypotension, and azithromycin adds to the QT effect. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Lofexidine 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; Lofexidine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with lofexidine bradycardia further increasing arrhythmia susceptibility.
What to do
Obtain an ECG at baseline and monitor heart rate, blood pressure and QTc. Correct potassium and magnesium, and consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with prolonged QT.
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 Lofexidine
- Adagrasib + Lofexidine Major
- Alfuzosin + Lofexidine Major
- Amiodarone + Lofexidine Major
- Amisulpride + Lofexidine Major
- Anagrelide + Lofexidine Major
- Apomorphine + Lofexidine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Lofexidine 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. Lofexidine can prolong the QT interval and cause bradycardia and hypotension, and azithromycin adds to the QT effect. Together they may increase the risk of torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Lofexidine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG at baseline and monitor heart rate, blood pressure and QTc. Correct potassium and magnesium, and consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with prolonged QT.
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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