Adderall With Azithromycin Interaction Details
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not there is a drug interaction between Adderall and azithromycin
I have an upper respiratory tract infection and got a Zpack. I take Adderall every day. Are they okay together?
Oct 17, 2022- There is no known drug interaction between azithromycin and Adderall and they are considered safe to take together. Both drugs can increase the risk of QT prolongation, a heart rhythm problem, so caution is needed if you have been diagnosed with heart rhythm issues. The risk of heart rhythm problems from taking these drugs together is low if you have no previous heart rhythm diagnosis or risk factors.
Answer
There is no known drug interaction between a Z-pack (azithromycin) and Adderall (amphetamine; dextroamphetamine). They are considered safe to take together.
However, it is important to note that they should be used cautiously together if you have been diagnosed with heart rhythm problems. Both drugs can increase the risk of QT prolongation, a type of arrhythmia. The risk of this occurring if you have not been diagnosed with a heart rhythm problem before, and have no risk factors, is low.
About Azithromycin
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 is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics and works by stopping the growth of bacteria by binding to the 50S subunit of bacterial ribosomes. This leads to the inhibition of bacterial protein synthesis.
About Adderall
The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are central nervous system stimulants, which work by changing the amounts of certain natural substances (e.g. norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin) in the brain.
Final Words
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References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- QT prolongation
- A change in the heart's electrical activity that can cause dangerous irregular heartbeats.
- Arrhythmia
- An irregular or abnormal heartbeat.
- Macrolide antibiotics
- A class of antibiotic medications used to treat bacterial infections.
- Bacterial ribosomes
- Structures inside bacteria where proteins are made.
- Protein synthesis
- The process by which cells build proteins needed for growth and function.
- Central nervous system stimulants
- Medications that increase activity in the brain and spinal cord, boosting alertness and focus.
- Norepinephrine
- A natural chemical in the brain that helps control attention and alertness.
- Dopamine
- A natural chemical in the brain involved in motivation, focus, and mood regulation.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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