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Taking azithromycin, ethambutol and levofloxacin at the same time?
I'm new here, I've been reading your posts for the past couple of months and they have been very helpful. My current ID doc put me on the big 3 in Jan. and I had 2 times tried Rifampin and had horrible flu like reactions. Now I take Azithromycin and Ethambutol 3 times a week and Levofloxacin 3 times a week but on different days. The ID doc told me to take them after dinner but I was having trouble taking the Levofloxacin in the evening due to sleep problems. I saw a post here that mentioned most of you take your three antibiotics at the same time. I talked to my pharmacist and she agreed I can do that but should try after a big breakfast. I have osteoporosis and I need to get my calcium, vitamins and supplements in the rest of the day (at least 2 hours after meds).
My health app warned about taking azithromycin with Levofloxacin together as it can cause heart problems. Does anyone else take these three together or should I just keep them on alternate days? I was under the impression that all the meds needed to work together so I'm very confused. ID doc tells me what ever works for me...
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After visiting NJH they highly recommend taking all 3 antibiotics first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Food diminishes the effects of the antibiotics so do not take with food. Also, you can find a time during the rest of your day to take your other medications. Make sure to take a good probiotic (I take Floragen that I purchase at the pharmacy with no prescription and it must be refrigerated) and try and eat some yogurt like Activia.
@rbl Welcome to Mayo Connect, where we have the opportunity to share experiences with others. We are not medical professionals, so we cannot give you medical advice.
But I have a recommendation - follow your doctor's advice to best avoid adverse effects. And if you, or anyone in your family has a history of heart disease, your cardiac function probably should be monitored as a precaution. But I believe, based on my reading of a few research studies, that taking the antibiotics on different days in this situation is effective because the levofloxacin is in a different class, and has a different effect on the bacteria. This also serves to minimize the chance of an adverse reaction between the medications.
Have you discussed it with your doctor? Remember, the long duration of taking these medications means we need to use every precaution to avoid bad reactions, and be alert to any changes in our bodues.
Sue
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1 ReactionThank you for your responses, I’m not confident with what I’m doing and ID Doc is very vague and said I can take them together or separate. I do have heart issues so I will also discuss with my cardiologist. My Pulmonologist canceled on me for my 6 month appointment and put me off for 3 more months so I am unable to get her opinion until August. I’m not too comfortable with her but was told she is good. She basically told me I have a lung disease that will only get worse and gave me a pep device and told me to do it 4 times a day. I had to watch videos on how to use it… I feel lost and confused when it comes to her, would love to get someone who cares about patients. I live in. Ct.