A new bulletin from the FDA warns that a commonly used antibiotic, Azithromycin, also known as Z-pac, Zithromax and other names, can be fatal in some individuals who are predisposed to heart arrythmias.
The FDA recommends that patients who have a history of this condition or are at risk of developing it should not use the drug. Also patients who have low electrolyte levels, a slower than normal heart rate, or use drugs that treat arrythmias should also abstain from using it.
The FDA was compelled to issue the warning after studies indicate that this antibiotic might interfere with the electrical impulses in the heart.
Another warning is for doctors, who are warned to look for symptoms of torsade de pointes, or a rotation of the heart and arrythmias when evaluating the patient prior to prescription of antibiotic therapy.
The warning also advises that the medication could cause potential risk in QT prolongation, a longer than normal QT interval visible in an ECG, when the patient in undergoing Azithromycin treatment.
The FDA is also asking that doctors report any adverse effect for patients undergoing the antibiotic therapy with azithromycin so as to get a better picture on the full range of effects as regards the medication.
CDC : 3.13.13
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