Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Nilotinib: 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
Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and azithromycin adds to the QT effect. Combining them raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination when an alternative antibiotic is available. If both are needed, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG closely, and interrupt nilotinib if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Nilotinib 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. Nilotinib carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and sudden death, and azithromycin adds to the QT effect. Combining them raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Nilotinib?
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 when an alternative antibiotic is available. If both are needed, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG closely, and interrupt nilotinib if the QTc becomes markedly prolonged.
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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