I was just prescribed the combination of Ceftin and Zithromax but feel very anxious taking the Zithromax because the doctor did an EKG before prescribing it "because of the slight risk of it causing long QT interval". I have an irregular heartbeat issue to begin with. Does anyone know anything about this. He just told me not to worry, but of course I am worrying...
Posted by wiserforit (Member # 9732) on :
Sorry for not knowing, but what is a "QT interval"? I'm on Zithromax by itself... have been for four months.
wiserforit
Posted by jblral (Member # 8836) on :
my daughter had been on zith and other abx for a long time, she had an EKG that raised a question about the QT interval. PCP showed it to a cardiologist who offered the opinion that it was nothing to worry about. I showed it to LLMD and others, who agree that in our case it doesn't seem to be a problem. I forget precisely what the QT interval is, sorry. Just remember that everyone said it was okay. (In our case.) So, if you're concerned, perhaps you should get an EKG.
Posted by hanoverw/lyme (Member # 10215) on :
i take 1000mg of ceftin, 600 mg of zithromax, and 600mg of rifampin per day. i get blood work done once a month, and i believe that one of the blood tests also checks your heart.
Posted by stella marie (Member # 7216) on :
If I'm not mistaken doesn't ketek also have this possibility?
Long QT syndrome refers to a condition in which there is an abnormally long QT interval on the electrocardiogram. It can be inherited ("congenital long QT") or induced by drugs or abnormal levels of the salts normally found in the blood, such as potassium and magnesium ("acquired long QT").
But some people, despite having a normal QT interval under normal conditions, may develop a prolonged QT and associated rhythm abnormalities when taking certain medications.
Pauline, if you have an irreg H/B are you now on some type of med to help correct this? I had this prob and was put on a med to help.
Posted by pq (Member # 6886) on :
all abx mentioned in this thread are in the class of abx called macrolides.
this might mean that ALL macrolides probably have this effect on teh heart.
Posted by Pauline (Member # 10000) on :
Yes, I am taking Propranolol, a beta blocker for the irregular heartbeat. I guess since I have heart issues - even though their benign - I have anxiety about any heart matters or possible side effects that could effect the heart. I have not been able to find out what percentage of people develop long Q who did not previously have it. I'm sure it is a low percent, but it would make me feel better to know. THanks for your comments!
Posted by pq (Member # 6886) on :
extended discussion of long qt syndrome.
the link below provides a list of meds. that cause this.