Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Olanzapine
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Olanzapine: 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
Olanzapine has a modest effect on the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to it. The combined risk of torsades de pointes is generally low but is higher in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Olanzapine 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; Olanzapine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Correct electrolyte abnormalities and obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or other QT-prolonging drugs. Monitor for palpitations, syncope or dizziness during the antibiotic course.
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 Olanzapine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Olanzapine 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. Olanzapine has a modest effect on the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to it. The combined risk of torsades de pointes is generally low but is higher in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Olanzapine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Correct electrolyte abnormalities and obtain an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors or other QT-prolonging drugs. Monitor for palpitations, syncope or dizziness during the antibiotic course.
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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