Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Trifluoperazine
Severity: Major
Azithromycin and Trifluoperazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, or underlying heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Trifluoperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive blockade of cardiac repolarizing potassium channels (hERG) leading to QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before starting. Monitor the QTc during therapy and consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Azithromycin and Trifluoperazine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
- Azithromycin 200mg/5ml Powder for Oral Suspension - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: antipsychotic agents; "antipsychotic agents (e.g. pimozide)") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Azithromycin
- Azithromycin + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Domperidone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Piperaquine Contraindicated
- Azithromycin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Azithromycin and Trifluoperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes and other serious ventricular arrhythmias. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia, or underlying heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, or obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before starting. Monitor the QTc during therapy and consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
