Azithromycin Astemizole

Toxic effects of terfenadine and astemizole have been reported in patients taking concomitant macrohdes, especially clarithromycin (87-89,116), typically resnlting in prolongation of the QT interval and cardiac dysrhjdhmias (torsade de pointes) (111). The potential interaction of azithromycin with terfenadine has been evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled study in 24 patients who took terfenadine plus azithromycin or terfenadine pins placebo (90). However, azithromycin did not alter the pharmacokinetics of the active carboxylate metabolite of terfenadine or the effect of terfenadine on the QTc interval. 

Clinically important, potentially hazardous interactions with amphetamines, aprepitant, astemizole, atazanavir, azithromycin, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, darunavir, dirithromycin, erythromycin, fluoxetine, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, imatinib, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, methylphenidate, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nilotinib, pemoline, phenothiazines, protease inhibitors, quinidine, ritonavir, saquinavir, sertraline, sparfloxacin, sulpiride, telithromycin, thioridazine, tipranavir, tricyclic antidepressants, troleandomycin, voriconazole, zileuton, ziprasidone... 

Erythromycin causes terfenadine and astemizole to accumulate in a few individuals, which can prolong the QT interval and lead to life-threatening torsade de pointes arrhythmias. Cases of torsade de pointes have been reported for astemizole with erythromycin, and terfenadine with erythromycin or troleandomycin. Other macrolides are believed to interact similarly, with the exception of azithromycin and possibly dirithromycin. 

Azithromycin. The manufacturers of astemizole report that an m vivo study has shown that azithromycin had a negligible effect on the bioavailability of astemizole. ... 

The interactions of terfenadine with erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troieandomycin and astemizole with erythromycin are established, clinically important and potentially hazardous. From the reports above it does seem that only a very few individuals develop a clinically important adverse interaction with these macrolides, but identifying them in advance is not often practical or possible. Because of the unpredictability and potential severity of this interaction, the FDA, the CSM" in the UK and the manufacturers of terfenadine and astemizole now contraindicate macrolides in anyone taking terfenadine or astemizole. The only exception to this is azithromycin with astemizole. The manufacturer of terfenadine extends this contraindication to the concurrent use of topical macrolides. ... 

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