Effects of azithromycin on blood pressure

[organiclady]

I have recently been prescribed azithromycin long term three times a week. Has anyone had their blood pressure go up as a result of taking this whilst also being treated for high blood pressure and AF with Digoxin cadesartan and bisoprolol. I have been told by the consultant that the digoxin is a low dose and should not be affected.

[peege]

I take it in winter only , I haven't noticed BP going down in the summer months when I dont take it. I take Ramiplril for high BP

PS personally I'd be asking my GP if its okay to take Azithromycin with your heart issues. Some members take an alternative prophylactic antibiotic. P

[organiclady in reply to peege]

Thank you for your

reply what is the name of the alternative please

[peege in reply to organiclady]

I know a friend takes doxycycline as a prophylactic (but she takes all year) but please do check with your medical person as I'm not one 😬

[helenlw7]

I’ve been on Azithromycin for about 8 years. I take it all year because I got chest infections in the summer. I had high blood pressure and was on tablets for it, but my blood pressure has been normal without tablets since May 2023. I take the 500mg Azithromycin pills because the are supposed to help if you’re asthmatic.

[Swizzy]

I took azith for five years but when I was diagnosed with AF and dilated cardiomyopathy in 2012, I was put on to digoxin, bisopralol and candesartan. I had to come off the azithromycin because of the digoxin. My bronchiectasis specialist and my cardiologist were in agreement on this and I have not been allowed to go back on it. I think that you need to discuss this with your cardiologist and respiratory consultant and ask them to speak to each other about it.

[organiclady in reply to Swizzy]

Did they take you off of azithromycin because of high blood pressure.

[Swizzy in reply to organiclady]

No, because of the digoxin which is not for blood pressure. It helps the heart to pump..bisopralol and candesartan work on blood pressure and helping the blood to flow through the veins. I have never actually had high blood pressure.

[organiclady in reply to Swizzy]

You say you have never had high blood pressure but are prescribed bisoprolol and candesartan which are for blood pressure, are you prescribed these for something else then or are they just for the AF.

[Swizzy in reply to organiclady]

It is very complicated. I have just been to my cardiologist. For me they act to keep my heart rate down.The candesartan is to keep the blood vessels open to circulate the oxygen.I have to be careful of the dose so we don't lower my blood pressure too much.He told me today that the digoxin acts to slow the heartbeat also but too much can be toxic. I think you are much wiser to talk to a cardiologist

[organiclady in reply to Swizzy]

I was told that the Digoxin is to strengthen my heart beat but they check every six months to see if it is affecting my kidneys or not. I am still puzzled why my blood pressure has suddenly shot up and now wonder if it is something else. Will check it out thank you for your comments.

[Swizzy in reply to organiclady]

That is right it does strengthen the heartbeat and it can cause kidney problems. My cardiologist told me today that I am on a low dose because I am fragile and my age and concerns about my kidneys. I cannot make guesses as to why your blood pressure has shot up. I only know that I have never had a problem with high blood pressure, taking azith or not. All of these drugs have multiple purposes and it seems to be a balancing act and we are all different. I have just been put on dapagliflozin for my heart which was developed for type two diabetes.

I hope that you get an answer from a cardiologist.

[MoyB]

If anything, my BP has been lower since taking azithromycin three times a week. I have also been taking diltiazem for a number of years as I have paroxysmal afib and coincidentally, I had a cardio ablation procedure shortly before starting the azythromycin. In terms of my general health, I have been better since taking the azithromycin all year. Only two chest infections in the last year, one of which was COVID related and another that was seen off quickly with amoxycillin. BP has been 'perfect' every time it's been taken by a doctor or nurse whereas it used to be too high.

My resp consult discussed with my cardiologist before prescribing the azithromycin.

Best thing would be to contact your cardiologist for advice.

XxMoy

[VirginOil]

I was put on Doxycycline at one point but it aggravated my AF so had stop taking it, it also upset my stomach.

[Mooka]

I take co-trimazole three times a week as a prophylactic antibiotic.

[Blyth1]

I now take co-trimazole daily as a prophylactic antibiotic.

[organiclady]

Thank you everyone for posting your experiences. My blood pressure has now gone down to normal and I must remember in future not to make a pig of myself by eating a whole LARGE bag of sea salted crisps no matter how tasty they are. Doh!!! Lets hope my diagnosis is correct.