From the Research
There is no significant interaction between azithromycin and bicalutamide, and these medications can generally be taken together without major concerns about drug interactions. Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections, while bicalutamide is an anti-androgen medication primarily used in treating prostate cancer. Although azithromycin can interact with some medications by affecting liver enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, the interaction with bicalutamide is not clinically significant. Bicalutamide is metabolized primarily by glucuronidation and partly by CYP3A4, but the extent of potential interaction is minimal and doesn't typically require dose adjustments or alternative medications.
Some studies have investigated the potential interactions between azithromycin and other medications, but none have specifically addressed the interaction with bicalutamide. For example, a study published in 2007 1 found that azithromycin increased the exposure of melagatran, a direct thrombin inhibitor, but this interaction is not relevant to bicalutamide. Another study published in 1991 2 compared the effects of azithromycin and erythromycin on rat liver cytochrome P-450 and found that azithromycin did not induce or inhibit cytochrome P-450 to the same extent as erythromycin.
However, as with any medication combination, it's essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking to monitor for any unexpected side effects or concerns specific to your individual health situation. A recent review published in 2021 3 emphasized the importance of considering drug-drug interactions in clinical practice and using drug interaction software to minimize the risk of adverse events.
In summary, based on the available evidence, azithromycin and bicalutamide can be taken together without significant concerns about drug interactions, but patients should always inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking to ensure safe and effective treatment.