Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Sodium bicarbonate
Severity: Minor
Azithromycin and Sodium bicarbonate: 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
Antacids can lower the peak concentration of oral azithromycin, although total absorption is not clearly reduced. The effect is generally minor.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Sodium bicarbonate 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; Sodium bicarbonate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Raised gastric pH from the alkali may reduce the rate of azithromycin absorption.
What to do
Give azithromycin at least 2 hours apart from sodium bicarbonate or other antacids.
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 Sodium bicarbonate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Alendronate + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Amantadine + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Carbonyl iron + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefditoren + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
- Cefpodoxime + Sodium bicarbonate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Azithromycin and Sodium bicarbonate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antacids can lower the peak concentration of oral azithromycin, although total absorption is not clearly reduced. The effect is generally minor.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Sodium bicarbonate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give azithromycin at least 2 hours apart from sodium bicarbonate or other antacids.
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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