Azithromycin with Triazolam Interaction Details

Brand Names Associated with Azithromycin

Brand Names Associated with Triazolam

Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated Mar 04, 2024

Interaction Effect

Decreased clearance of triazolam and increased pharmacologic effect of triazolam

Interaction Summary

A decrease in triazolam clearance may increase the pharmacologic effect of triazolam[1]. A study comparing the pharmacokinetics of triazolam given concurrently with macrolide antibiotics determined that azithromycin demonstrated no significant effects on the maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration, half-life, area under the concentration-time curve, or oral clearance of triazolam [2].

Severity

Minor

Onset

Unspecified

Evidence

Probable

How To Manage Interaction

Careful monitoring of patients is advised when azithromycin is used concomitantly with triazolam.

Mechanism Of Interaction

Unknown

Literature Reports

A) A study comparing the pharmacokinetics of triazolam given concurrently with macrolide antibiotics determined that erythromycin and clarithromycin increased triazolam peak concentrations two-fold in 12 healthy volunteers. Azithromycin was also included in the study, but demonstrated no significant effects on the maximum concentration, time to maximum concentration, half-life, area under the concentration-time curve, or oral clearance of triazolam [2].

References

1 ) Product Information: Zithromax(R), azithromycin. Pfizer Labs, NY, NY, 2001.

2 ) Greenblatt DJ, von Moltke LL, Harmatz JS, et al: Inhibition of triazolam clearance by macrolide antimicrobial agents: In vitro correlates and dynamic consequences. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1998; 64:278-285.

Azithromycin Overview

• 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.

• 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.

Triazolam Overview

• Triazolam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Triazolam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep.

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Definitions

Severity Categories

Contraindicated

These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.

Major

This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.

Moderate

This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.

Minor

While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.

Onset

Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.

Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.

Evidence

Level of documentation of the interaction.

Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.

Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.

How To Manage The Interaction

Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.

It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.

Mechanism Of Interaction

The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.

Where Does Our Information Come From?

Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:

• Gold Standard Drug Database
• Micromedex
• Lexicomp
• DrugBank

The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used. 

Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.

The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.