Cautions with other medicines
There are some medicines that do not mix well with azithromycin.
Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before you start azithromycin:
- antacids for indigestion
- ergotamine or dihydroergotamine – for migraine
- warfarin, to help prevent blood clots
- ciclosporin or tacrolimus – medicines to stop your immune system overreacting
- colchicine, a medicine used for gout and some other inflammatory conditions
- digoxin for some heart problems
- rifabutin, an antibiotic
- nelfinavir, a medicine for HIV
- a statin medicine to lower your cholesterol, such as simvastatin or atorvastatin
Azithromycin can affect your heartbeat, so it's best not to take it with other medicines that have the same side effect.
Tell your doctor if you're taking medicines that can affect your heartbeat, including:
- any medicines for an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), such as amiodarone or sotalol
- antidepressants such as citalopram
- antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions
- some anti-sickness medicines, such as dimperidone
- some antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin
Check the leaflets that come with your medicines and talk to a pharmacist or your doctor if you are worried.
Mixing azithromycin with herbal remedies and supplements
There's not enough information to say that complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with azithromycin. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.
Important: Medicine safety
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.