Is it safe if I take Azithromycin with Escitalopram?

Question

Hello doctor,

My age is 22 years, and I do not have any heart disease. I am taking Citanew only due to health anxiety. I took one Azomax 250 mg tablet today due to a severe sore throat and fever. I have been taking Citanew 5 mg for the past three months. Is there any harmful interaction that can happen?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq. com.

I have read your query and am sorry for the discomfort.

At your age and with no known heart disease, taking one dose of Azithromycin together with Escitalopram is unlikely to cause a serious problem in most people. There is a known possible interaction because both medicines can rarely affect the heart rhythm, specifically a condition called QT prolongation.

However, this is more concerning in people who already have heart disease, fainting episodes, abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, low potassium or magnesium levels, or those taking multiple medicines that affect the heart rhythm.

Since you are 22 years old, otherwise healthy, and taking a low dose of Escitalopram for anxiety, the overall risk is generally low.

Try not to panic or focus too much on rare side effects, as health anxiety can make normal body sensations feel more frightening. Watch for symptoms such as severe dizziness, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. If any of these occur, seek medical attention promptly. Otherwise, most people tolerate this combination without problems.

Also, keep in mind that many sore throats and fevers are caused by viral infections, so antibiotics are not always necessary unless a doctor suspects a bacterial infection. Stay hydrated, get proper rest, and monitor your symptoms.

I hope this is clear, and if you have any questions at any time, please feel free to ask.

Thank you.