Winter again! Bad news for me as I suffer from Bronchiectasis as well as being diagnosed with paroxysmal AF. (Fortunately not had episode of AF since first two years ago).
However, Consultant has prescribed Azithromycin (mild antibiotic) to be taken throughout the winter to help prevent flare ups of Bronchiectasis.
Unfortunately, the leaflet states should not be taken by those suffering irregular heartbeat.
Has anybody any experience of taking Azithromycin tablets? If so, did it create irregular heartbeat.
Good wishes to all.
Written by
Frustrated12
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thank you. Be interesting to know if you suffered any side effects in order to be taken off. And if you were given any substitute. Thanks again. Best wishes.
I am colonised with pseudomonas which azithromycin is not effective against anyway. I took azith to cover against other bugs. I started getting palpitations and faint feelings whilst I was on it but it took me 2 years to persuade my GP and bronch specialist that it was not chest but my heart. Eventually diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and AF. As soon as diagnosed with AF my nronch con said that I could not have azith. It has been no loss to me. I have read that it can cause AF but doctors don't seem to take that into account. Whether it caused my AF I really don't know.
I have had had paroxysmal AF which is now AF and had VT. I am not a doctor and can't give advice,.While Azithromycin is supposed to be none Cardio Toxic it is related to erythromycin.. which I would never take again as I was sick for a week..
if you are worried about Azithromycin I would go to your GP along with the drug leaflet and see what he/she says.
I did just that with erythromycin. and I was never prescribed it again. No way am I saying don't take it. but you are uneasy because of AF and that is good reason to bring your worry up with your GP.
Thank you. I'm obtaining a better perspective off what to do.
With the standard caveat that I’m not remotely medically qualified…
There is no current substitute for azithromycin used this way. This is because it’s not being primarily used just as an antibiotic but for a secondary, anti-inflammatory action we’ve found it to have. We don’t know how or why it works like that to prevent exacerbations, only that it does for some individuals (although not everyone that takes it), even in people that have never cultured bacteria for which Zith is effective against. Other antibiotics can and are used as long term prophylaxis where appropriate for recurrent infections, e.g. someone that has frequent problems with staph might get put on a regular dose of flucloxaxillin, but that is slightly different as it is on a bactericidal basis, and usually daily, where using Zith three times a week isn’t for those reasons.
I don’t have Afib myself, or even take Zith (my daughter did for years as she’s the one with respiratory problems), but under the BNF, afib is not a contraindication to using It. What medication someone is taking to control their arrhythmia along with any warfarin or digoxin use could be, though. The patient information leaflet also doesn’t actually contraindicate it even in relation to specific meds, but does suggest caution in people with ‘severe heart problems or problems with your heart beat such as long QT syndrome (shown on an electro-cardiogram or ECG machine)’ and to inform the prescribing doctor of anti-arrhythmic or blood thinner use. That said, given that it’s bothering you, I would recommend you query it with your cardiologist rather than whomever has prescribed it from a respiratory perspective, if you can, purely to put your mind at rest. If you can’t contact anyone in cardiology for any reason, then check with respiratory, or the GP as a last resort. But I would always ask the question for reassurance rather than assume they’ve got it right, just in case.
Wow! That was a detailed and informative reply Charlie. Thank you so much. Very kind and thoughtful.
As Hidden says, the leaflet doesn’t specifically contra-indicate azith for heart rhythm problems. Many people find it very useful as an anti-inflammatory, to help repel bugs. Given you haven’t had an episode since your first one 2yrs ago, I personally would chat with a friendly pharmacist, for reassurance, and give it a whirl. You can always stop if you notice any symptoms.
Hi i took Azythromicin 500mg for 9 months i dont have Afib and completely got rid of bug in left lung i had for 3 years. Feel much better and it hasnt come back. My heart is good too. Hope this helps. Karen xxx
Hi, I’ve been on prophylactic azithromycin for three years now. My bronchiectasis has been much better controlled, honestly like night and day, now with just occasional flares. I had an ECG before starting and this is repeated to check for changes now and again, and my consultant has said that it would be discontinued if cardiac changes were found. I hope this helps x
I’ve been taking Azithromycin 250mg three times a week for about 5 years and I haven’t had any side effects. My dose was put up to 500 mg about 2 years ago because research has found that it helps asthma.
Hi, My wife takes Azithro 3 times per week and has done for last 4 years. No heart problems so far. She also has physio 3 times/week to help cough-up the muck from base of lungs. She has also recently had 2 10 day sessions with Amoxicillin to fight further infections. Good luck with coming winter.Chris Ward.
I have been taking them for quiteca few years 3 times weekly my Consultant who I had to see yesterday has said I need to go on them every day now ,I get infections but they take more than a week to clear up ,I'm on long term steroids when I get an infection 6 per day for 6 weeks then dropping down one each week until the course finishes .
Hi... I've been taking it for several years....BUT I had to have an ECG before my consultant would put me on it for the very reason you highlight.
Charlie’s reply has reminded me that I had tocome off azithromycin because I started taking digoxyn.
Hi.. Its all a balancing act isn't it, the lesser of 2 evils. I have been on this low dose of azithromycin for 11 years. It has helped with the bronchiectasis but now have heart problems... Induced ischaemia, very erratic hb. Who knows if it caused it or not. Close monitoring is the key I think. Good luck!
I'm on azithromycin and another tablet that can affect the heart. I had an ecg before I started them, another after 2 weeks and another due in a couple of months.
Hii Frustrated12, I too have AF and Bronch and I have taken Azithromycin for the psst 10 yrs without any problems. If they have been prescribed your doctor will have weighed up the risks and obviously thinks there are no problems. Hope this helps. Take care, Maximonkey
Thank you Maximonkey. That's an encouraging reply. May I ask what type of AF? I have been so lucky over the past two years, I really don't want to trigger anything. It is unfortunate that since my last ECG (no QTc prolongation at that time) two years ago, I have in fact had more frequent daily ectopics especially in the last year. But darn it, during the lockdown and now I treat myself to one coffee a day. I do seem to be somewhat susceptible to caffein. Might have to stop as I do like the idea of going through this winter being protected as much as possible.
Hi Frustrated, I have A Fib which thank goodness only needs daily medication. I realise others may have to have procedures to keep their rhythm. I do not understand your comment about caffiene. Maybe you could enlighten me? Take care Maximonkey
Hi Frustrated, I didn't know coffee caused reflux. I'm a coffee drinker in the morning only. My reflux only plays up if I have wine with evening meal and later eat something delicious like chocolate. We really are all very different. Take care, Maximonkey.
I have been on 500mg Azithromycin for 5 years and had AF this year, followed by Ablation procedure but at no time did the taking of the anti biotic arise. This is in no way a medical opinion just a personal observation.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Does anyons has experience if Steroids make worst Bronchiectasis?
stopping azithromycin 
Lobectomy for bronchiectasis 
