Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist, can add to cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia and QT changes. Together they may raise the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic effects on cardiac repolarization and beta-adrenergic stimulation.
What to do
Consider a non-macrolide antibiotic in patients with known QT risk factors. If combined, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor ECG and heart rate or palpitations.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled 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 can prolong the QT interval, and vilanterol, a long-acting beta-agonist, can add to cardiovascular effects such as tachycardia and QT changes. Together they may raise the risk of arrhythmia, particularly in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Umeclidinium bromide / vilanterol inhaled?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-macrolide antibiotic in patients with known QT risk factors. If combined, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor ECG and heart rate or palpitations.
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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