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Will Azithromycin Cause Any Problems In Electrical System Of Heart?

Posted on Tue, 17 Dec 2013

Question: Hi, I am a 56 years old male. I have been diagnosed with RBBB for around a year, previously it was an IRBBB. My cardiologist has told me it is nothing to worry about. I had a cardiac MRI as a precaution and everything was normal. I swim roughly 2 miles a day five days a week, so I am in excellent shape. My question relates to taking a Z-Pack for a sore throat. I have heard that azithromycin can cause problems with the hearts electrical system. Another Doctor recently prescribed a Z-Pack for my sore throat. Do you think I should just take it, or call him for a different antibiotic?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Please refer to the suggestion below... Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, I read your query very carefully and would like to say: - Yes Azythromicine has a pro-arrhythmia effect (can cause a QT segment prolongation, Ventricular tachycardia and sudden death). - The reason for which you are taking Z-pack is sore throat, which can be treated as well with other antibiotics groups (for example Amoxicillin) that have no effect on QT segment and don't cause ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death. So I suggest talking with your doctor to take another antibiotic group other than macrolides (Azythromicine). Hope it answered to your inquiries! If you have more questions feel free to write me back at the next follow up. Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (3 hours later)

Doctor Shehu, thank you for your input. I sincerely appreciate your time and dedicated analysis. The inquiry related to taking a Z-Pack was a question I formed my own. Of course, I did not want to create a concern out of nothing. Your response reinforces my inclination to trust my instincts and impressions. What do you think of Cephalexin as an alternative. I called my physician back and he prescribed that. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Please refer the suggestion below Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thank you for writing back. Back to the question Cephalexin is a Cephalosporin of the first generation, which has little or no effect to the QT segment. This is a pill which can be taken safety without causing any trouble regarding to arrhythmia. As you don't have any known allergia you can take it safety. Hope it answered to your questions! Wish you health! Dr.Benard

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad