Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Sunitinib
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Sunitinib: 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
Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Sunitinib 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; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation through cardiac repolarization effects.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before combining. Monitor the ECG periodically and prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic in high-risk patients.
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 Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Sunitinib 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. Sunitinib can prolong the QT interval, and azithromycin adds to this effect. The combination may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Sunitinib?
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 potassium and magnesium before combining. Monitor the ECG periodically and prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic in high-risk patients.
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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