Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Paroxetine
Severity: Minor
Azithromycin and Paroxetine: minor 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
Azithromycin can prolong the QT interval, and paroxetine has a small potential for QT effects, so the combined arrhythmic risk is low. It becomes more relevant in patients with other risk factors for torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Azithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive QTc prolongation; the contribution of paroxetine is small.
What to do
No routine action is needed in low-risk patients. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and check the ECG in patients with cardiac disease or additional QT-prolonging drugs.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Azithromycin and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Azithromycin can prolong the QT interval, and paroxetine has a small potential for QT effects, so the combined arrhythmic risk is low. It becomes more relevant in patients with other risk factors for torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine action is needed in low-risk patients. Correct electrolyte abnormalities and check the ECG in patients with cardiac disease or additional QT-prolonging drugs.
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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