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Rifampin and ?


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Just got another emails from the FDA on a further link between Zithromax and heart problems. Dd is on rifampin/zith combo, am wondering what other rifampin combos people are using outside of zith? We checked biaxin and there seems to be a bad interaction between rifampin and biaxin. Dd will not take doxy

Edited by Hopeny
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DD has taken 65 days of Doxy suspension, she hates the taste, really fights me on it. Also Doxy doesn't touch strep at all and we have that issue too, although being on RIfampin I think we have the strep well covered. After reading this though I may take a fresh look at Doxy again. Originally this report not worry me because it was mostly elderly patients, however seeing as Lyme patients typically have low magnesium, this gave me pause today reading it. DD also has one 677T mutation which can be associated with cardiac issues. Sigh. Arial95 I may talk to dr about augmentin/Rifampin combo too.

 

Here is the warning letter, by the way everyone can sign up for these communications at the FDA website:

 

Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax): Drug Safety Communication - Risk of Potentially Fatal Heart Rhythms

 

AUDIENCE: Family Practice, Patient, Pharmacy, Health Professional

 

ISSUE: FDA is warning the public that azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. Patients at particular risk for developing this condition include those with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. FDA has issued a Drug Safety Communication today as a result of our review of a study by medical researchers as well as another study by a manufacturer of the drug that assessed the potential for azithromycin to cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.

 

FDA previously released a Statement on May 17, 2012, about a study that compared the risks of cardiovascular death in patients treated with the antibacterial drugs azithromycin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), and levofloxacin (Levaquin), or no antibacterial drug. The study reported an increase in cardiovascular deaths, and in the risk of death from any cause, in persons treated with a 5-day course of azithromycin (Zithromax) compared to persons treated with amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or no drug. The risks of cardiovascular death associated with levofloxacin treatment were similar to those associated with azithromycin treatment.

 

BACKGROUND: Azithromycin is marketed under the brand names Zithromax and Zmax. Change to “FDA-approved indications for azithromycin include: acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bacterial sinusitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections, urethritis and cervicitis, genital ulcer disease

 

RECOMMENDATION: Health care professionals should consider the risk of torsades de pointes and fatal heart rhythms with azithromycin when considering treatment options for patients who are already at risk for cardiovascular events. FDA notes that the potential risk of QT prolongation with azithromycin should be placed in appropriate context when choosing an antibacterial drug: Alternative drugs in the macrolide class, or non-macrolides such as the fluoroquinolones, also have the potential for QT prolongation or other significant side effects that should be considered when choosing an antibacterial drug.

 

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

•Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm

•Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

 

Read the complete MedWatch Safety Alert, including a link to the Drug Safety Communication, at:

 

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm343350.htm

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