LymeNet Flash: Zithromax and Long QT Interval

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter

Follow @LymeDiseaseNet

The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Zithromax and Long QT Interval

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: Zithromax and Long QT Interval

Pauline
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10000

posted

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...

Posts: 144 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

wiserforit
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 9732

posted

Sorry for not knowing, but what is a "QT interval"?
I'm on Zithromax by itself... have been for four months.

wiserforit

Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006 | IP: Logged |

jblral
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8836

posted

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.

Posts: 991 | From California | Registered: Feb 2006 | IP: Logged |

hanoverw/lyme
Member
Member # 10215

posted

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.

Posts: 46 | From hanover, pa | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

stella marie
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 7216

posted

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.

--------------------
Stella Marie

Posts: 694 | From US | Registered: Apr 2005 | IP: Logged |

pq
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6886

posted

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.

Posts: 2708 | Registered: Feb 2005 | IP: Logged |

Pauline
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10000

posted

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!

Posts: 144 | From Connecticut | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

pq
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6886

posted

extended discussion of long qt syndrome.

the link below provides a list of meds. that cause this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_QT_syndrome

Posts: 2708 | Registered: Feb 2005 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA
http://www.lymenet.org/