What is a potential side effect of Azithromycin in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions?

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the macrolide class and is known to pose specific risks to patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions. One notable side effect associated with the use of Azithromycin is the potential for cardiac arrhythmias. This is particularly relevant for patients who already have underlying heart issues, as Azithromycin can prolong the QT interval, which may lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances, including torsades de pointes.

In individuals with existing cardiac conditions, the risk of experiencing these arrhythmias is heightened due to the pre-existing vulnerabilities of their cardiovascular systems. Therefore, the use of Azithromycin in such patients needs to be approached with caution, and they may require careful monitoring during treatment.

Other side effects, like nausea, rash, and headaches, although possible with Azithromycin, do not carry the same level of risk for exacerbating existing cardiac issues as arrhythmias do. This distinction highlights the importance of considering a patient's medical history in relation to the potential risks associated with specific medications.