Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Mefloquine: 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
Mefloquine can alter cardiac conduction and prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. Together they may raise the risk of arrhythmia, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation and effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities before co-administration. Use an alternative antimalarial or antibiotic in patients with known QT prolongation.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine can alter cardiac conduction and prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. Together they may raise the risk of arrhythmia, especially in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Mefloquine?
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 a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities before co-administration. Use an alternative antimalarial or antibiotic in patients with known QT prolongation.
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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