Drug interactions
Azithromycin + Venlafaxine
Severity: Moderate
Azithromycin and Venlafaxine: 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
Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, and combined use may modestly increase the risk of arrhythmia. The concern is greatest in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging medicines.
What this interaction means in plain words
Azithromycin and Venlafaxine 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; Venlafaxine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation via cardiac potassium channel effects.
What to do
Check baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct electrolytes. Consider an alternative antibiotic if the QTc is prolonged.
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 Venlafaxine
- Isocarboxazid + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Rasagiline + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
- Safinamide + Venlafaxine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Azithromycin with Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Azithromycin and Venlafaxine 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. Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, and combined use may modestly increase the risk of arrhythmia. The concern is greatest in patients with cardiac disease, electrolyte disturbances or other QT-prolonging medicines.
How serious is the interaction between Azithromycin and Venlafaxine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors and correct electrolytes. Consider an alternative antibiotic if the QTc is prolonged.
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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