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Fortovase and Zithromax Tri-Pak

Determining the interaction of Fortovase and Zithromax Tri-Pak and the possibility of their joint administration.

Check result:
Fortovase <> Zithromax Tri-Pak
Relevance: 20.07.2023 Reviewer: Shkutko P.M., M.D., in

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Consumer:

Using saquinavir together with azithromycin is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with either of these medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Professional:

CONTRAINDICATED: Saquinavir in combination with ritonavir may cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Theoretically, coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in additive effects and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias including torsade de pointes and sudden death. In a study of 59 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 55 years who were administered saquinavir/ritonavir at a therapeutic dosage of 1000 mg/100 mg twice daily and a supratherapeutic dosage of 1500 mg/100 mg twice daily, the maximum mean QT prolongation (QTcS; study-specific QT interval correction) on treatment day 3 was 18.9 msec for the lower dosage and 30.2 msec for the supratherapeutic dosage, compared to 12.2 msec for the active control (moxifloxacin 400 mg). The majority of subjects (89% and 80% in the therapeutic and supratherapeutic groups, respectively) had a QTcS less than 450 msec, and none had a QTc interval exceeding the potentially clinically relevant threshold of 500 msec. In general, the risk of an individual agent or a combination of agents causing ventricular arrhythmia in association with QT prolongation is largely unpredictable but may be increased by certain underlying risk factors such as congenital long QT syndrome, cardiac disease, and electrolyte disturbances (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia). In addition, the extent of drug-induced QT prolongation is dependent on the particular drug(s) involved and dosage(s) of the drug(s).

MANAGEMENT: Coadministration of ritonavir-boosted saquinavir with other drugs that can prolong the QT interval is considered contraindicated.

References
  • "Product Information. Invirase (saquinavir)." Roche Laboratories, Nutley, NJ.
  • Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
  • Biondi L "Health Canada endorsed important safety information on Invirase (saquinavir mesylate). Available from: URL: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/alt_formats/pdf/medeff/advisories-avis/prof/2010/invirase_hpc-cps-eng.pdf." ([2010 Apr 14]):
  • Anson BD, Weaver JG, Ackerman MJ, et al. "Blockade of HERG channels by HIV protease inhibitors." Lancet 365 (2005): 682-686
  • Canadian Pharmacists Association "e-CPS. Available from: URL: http://www.pharmacists.ca/function/Subscriptions/ecps.cfm?link=eCPS_quikLink."
  • Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
  • FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration "FDA drug safety communication: Ongoing safety review of Invirase (saquinavir) and possible association with abnormal heart rhythms. Available from: URL: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm201221.h" ([2010 Feb 23]):
Fortovase

Generic Name: saquinavir

Brand name: Invirase, Fortovase

Synonyms: n.a.

Zithromax Tri-Pak

Generic Name: azithromycin

Brand name: Zithromax, Zmax, AzaSite, Azithromycin 3 Day Dose Pack, Azithromycin 5 Day Dose Pack, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zithromax IV

Synonyms: Zithromax

In the course of checking the drug compatibility and interactions, data from the following reference sources was used: Drugs.com, Rxlist.com, Webmd.com, Medscape.com.

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