You may be seeing stronger warnings on your next bottle of Azithromycin, otherwise known as a “Z-pak”. In some people, using this antibiotic can cause changes in the electrical activity of the heart causing a fatal arrhythmia.
Anyone with a history of heart problems, low potassium or magnesium levels, and a slow heart rate (bradycardia) is at increased risk. The elderly and those patients that are on medications that lengthen the interval between heart beats (Celexa, Lexapro, Pepcid, Erythromycin, etc) should also be careful when using Azithromycin.
Azithromycin is commonly used to treat bronchitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. Let your doctor know what other medications you are taking and any history of heart problems before taking this drug.
F.D.A. Toughens Heart Warning on a Common Antibiotic – NYTimes.com: “”