Azithromycin - low heart rate

[DunCaan]

Well not looking good for me with Azithromycin as my heart rate has dropped to below 50bpm - as low as 42 when sleeping. Only taken 3 tabs so going to GP today to get checked out! Anyone else have similar problems when taking this drug?

[Hidden]

Hi DC that is strange. I was on it for five years. Then I developed AF and a very rapid heartrate and left ventricle cardiomyopathy. I had to come off it because of the heart drugs that I was put on to. Nobody mentioned a link between azith and my heart. However, doing my own research (which I know we shouldn't really) I found that it can cause AF, and rapid heart rate. As you have a slow heart rate and have only taken three tablets, it may not be the azith to blame. I think that it would be a good idea to get on to your consultant as GPs know very little about the actions of these drugs. It is a very good drug for our lungs and it would be a pity if you stopped taking it because your heart is beating slowly for some reason not related to it and of course, if the azith is affecting your heart rate it won't be wise to stay on it. Good luck. Do let me know how it turns out.

[Billiejean_2]

Hi D, last summer I saw a cardiologist and mentioned the Azithro/heart problems thing to him. He said that in all cases where Azithro is prescribed, the odds would be carefully examined against possible risk. In my case he said the risk was slight and the Azithro justified. I'd had an Echo, bubble test and several ECGs done. He acknowledged that there is a 'small' risk in taking it but the improvement in lung health justified this. When in hospital recently, I had been off Azithro for a week because of taking double clarithromycin at home. It was started again and I immediately noticed that after taking a Combivent neb, my heartbeat went crazy and I had to Change nebs. Don't know if it was coincidence or not. Obviously you need to discuss this whole thing with your doctor and go through all the ins and outs and possibilities.

[Scud in reply to Billiejean_2]

Sorry to hear of your experience but I can honestly say it is the best thing that has been prescribed for me, for years I was never rid of coughing up sputum then a specialist put me on azithremyscin and I have a clear chest and feel the best I have been for a long long time , hope you get your problem sorted all the best for the New Year

[Billiejean_2 in reply to Scud]

Lots of people have he same experience as you, Scud and rightly regard it as a wonder drug. I've been on it three years now and it's certainly not preventing me from getting infections. But my doctor wants me to stay on them, so I'm doing that. Glad they worked for you.

[Tuttifruity]

Azithromycin. Hubby was on it for 12 moths, then Heart Failure nurse noticed a problem with an ECG. We were told it was affecting his 'T' wave, one of those squiggly lines you see on an ECG. As he already had right heart failure, we couldn't say it had 'caused' AF or even contributed to it. But he was told never to take it again. Now they have put me on it ????

It's not our's to reason why, just comply before you die...........

Best wishes to everyone for the new year.

[Billiejean_2]

Hi Tutti Frutti,

'Our's not to reason why,

Just comply before you die'.

That's a classic, love it !