Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Ritonavir: 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
Azithromycin may weakly inhibit P-glycoprotein, possibly raising ritonavir exposure slightly. Ritonavir can also prolong QT at high exposures, so additive QT effects are theoretically possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Ritonavir 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; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Possible P-glycoprotein inhibition plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Monitor ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and watch for ritonavir adverse effects. No routine dose adjustment is needed.
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 Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Ritonavir 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 may weakly inhibit P-glycoprotein, possibly raising ritonavir exposure slightly. Ritonavir can also prolong QT at high exposures, so additive QT effects are theoretically possible.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and watch for ritonavir adverse effects. No routine dose adjustment is needed.
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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