Why the study?
Does azithromycin increase the risk of prolonged cardiac repolarization and cardiac dysrhythmias?
Does azithromycin increase the risk of prolonged cardiac repolarization and cardiac dysrhythmias?
Providers should be aware of the potential for QT prolongation and dysrhythmias with azithromycin, especially in older adults, but should continue to prescribe it when warranted for bacterial infections.
Caution with azithromycin in older adults for QT risk; Level 5 data leave comparative mortality open.
The FDA has updated azithromycin package labeling to include the risk of prolonged cardiac repolarization and QT prolongation, which increase the possibility of cardiac dysrhythmias and torsades de pointes, especially in older adults. The update was initiated by a study that found an increased risk of death in patients taking azithromycin compared with those taking amoxicillin. However, cardiovascular results of other azithromycin studies have demonstrated discordant results, and more research is needed. In the meantime, providers should recognize that azithromycin has a role in the management of bacterial infections and should prescribe the antibiotic when warranted.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
S. Scott Sutton (2016) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: