Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Primaquine
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Primaquine: 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
Primaquine can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin has similar effects. Combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Primaquine 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; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through effects on cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolyte abnormalities. Monitor QTc, and choose an alternative antibiotic in patients with other QT risk factors.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Primaquine 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. Primaquine can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin has similar effects. Combined use may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Primaquine?
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. Monitor QTc, and choose an alternative antibiotic in patients with other QT risk factors.
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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