Elderberry - Zithromax (Azithromycin) Interaction
Herbal: Elderberry
Also Known As: Sambucus nigra, Arbre de Judas, Baccae, Baises de Sureau, Black-Berried Alder, Black Elder, Black Elderberry, Boor Tree, Bountry, Common Elder, Elder, Elder Berry, Elderberries, Elderberry Fruit, Ellanwood, Ellhorn, European Alder, European Black Elder
Drug: Azithromycin
Brand names:
Zithromax, Zmax, Azasite
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Apr 13, 2024
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Azithromycin and Elderberry. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
Elderberry has not been shown to affect any liver CYP enzymes to a clinically significant degree. This suggests that the potential for elderberry to interact with medications that are metabolized by these enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2D6, etc...) is generally not a concern.
Azithromycin is primarily metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which elderberry has not been shown to affect in a clinically significant manner.
However, as with any medication or supplement, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before combining azithromycin with elderberry or any other herbal supplement to ensure that there are no potential interactions or adverse effects.
Elderberry has not been shown to affect any liver CYP enzymes to a clinically significant degree. This suggests that the potential for elderberry to interact with medications that are metabolized by these enzymes (e.g., CYP3A4, CYP2D6, etc...) is generally not a concern.
Azithromycin is primarily metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, which elderberry has not been shown to affect in a clinically significant manner.
However, as with any medication or supplement, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before combining azithromycin with elderberry or any other herbal supplement to ensure that there are no potential interactions or adverse effects.
- Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmDElderberry Overview
Elderberry (Sambucus) is a plant that belongs to the Adoxaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The Elderberry plant has distinctive dark purple or black berries, which are often used in different types of food, including jams, jellies, and syrups. In traditional medicine, elderberry is one of the most popular over-the-counter supplements due to its purported immune-stimulating effects and is used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Some studies have suggested that elderberry may have antiviral and immune-boosting properties, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. It is important to note that there are several different species of elderberry, including American elder (Sambucus canadensis) and black elder (Sambucus nigra). Black elder is more commonly used in dietary supplements.
Azithromycin Overview
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Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases (STD); and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs. Azithromycin also is used to treat or prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection [a type of lung infection that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. Azithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
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Antibiotics such as azithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Using antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Elderberry - More Interactions
Elderberry interacts with 111 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
Ask A Pharmacist About Your Herbal Questions!
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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