Does Z-Pak raise blood pressure?
By
Dr Natalia Marceli Stephanes (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes PhD is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drugs Administration and Toxicity; Discovery of New Drugs; Cancer Treatment; Biochemical Analyzes and Hematological Analyzes. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes’ Highlights:
- Pharmacist at the Department of Health of Santa Catarina State, Brazil
- PhD with a focus on oncology treatment
- Years of experience in commercial pharmacy
- Bachelor, Master and PhD degrees in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina
Professional Experience:
From her undergraduate studies to her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Pharmacy, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has participated in numerous scientific studies in the field of oncology and onco-hematology at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Her research has focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical bases of malignant neoplasms and investigating safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.
Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes has also served as an assistant professor of haematology for undergraduate students at the Federal University of Santa Catarina. Additionally, she held the position of professor of Hospital Pharmacy at the Qualificar Technical School in Brazil, where she developed instructional materials for use in the Pharmacy Postgraduate Program at the Leonardo Da Vinci University Center.
In addition to her academic experiences, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes possesses a strong expertise in commercial pharmacy, with in-depth knowledge of medications, their routes of administration, desired effects, adverse effects, and toxicity.
Currently, Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes works as a Pharmacist at the Health Department of Santa Catarina State, where her role entails providing pharmaceutical scientific consulting services to judges.
Education:
- 2016 Bachelor in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2018 Master in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2023 PhD in Pharmacy at the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
The main publications of Dr Natália Marcéli Stephanes are:
Falchetti M ; Delgobo M, Zancanaro H, Almeida K, Das Neves RN, Dos Santos B, Stefanes NM, et al. Bishop Omics-based identification of an NRF2-related auranofin resistance signature in cancer: Insights into drug repurposing. Comput. Biol. Med [Internet]. 2023; 152:106347.
Feuser PM, Matos dos Santos PC, Cordeiro AP, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Maioral MF, Santos-Silva MC, et al. Antineoplastic activity of free 4-nitrochalcone and encapsulated in poly(thioether-ester) nanoparticles obtained by thiol-ene polymerization in two human leukemia cell lines (Jurkat and K562). J Drug Deliv Sci Technol [Internet]. 2022; 67:102924.
Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Walter LO, Perondi DM, Efe FL, Souza LFS, Sens L, et al. Synthesis of chalcones derived from 1-naphthylacetophenone and evaluation of their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in acute leukemia cell lines. Bioorg. Chem [Internet]. 2021; 116:105315.
Duarte BF, Vieira DSC, Lisboa ML, Stefanes NM, Grando LJ, Santos-Silva MC. Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes portadores de carcinoma de células escamosas de boca. Arquivos Catarinenses de Medicina. 2021; 50(2): 232–245.
Machado V, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Santos-Silva MC, Biavatti MW. Anti-leukemic activity of semisynthetic derivatives of Lupeol. Nat. Prod. Res. 2021; 35(22):4494-4501.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Yunes RA, et al. A novel sulfonamide derivative as a strong and selective apoptotic agent against hematological malignancies. Chem. Pap. 2020; 74:2965–2976.
Bigolin A, Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Cytotoxic mechanisms of primin, a natural quinone isolated from Eugenia hiemalis, on hematological cancer cell lines. Anticancer Drugs. 2020; 31(7):709-717.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Neufeldt PD, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Nunes RJ, Santos-Silva MC. Aldehyde biphenyl chalcones induce immunogenic apoptotic-like cell death and are promising new safe compounds against a wide range of hematologic cancers. Future Med. Chem. 2020; 12(8):673–688.
Perondi DM, Jacques AV, Stefanes NM, Maioral MF, Sens L, Pacheco LA, Cury NM, et al. A novel thiosemicarbazone as a promising effective and selective compound for acute leukemia. Anticancer Drugs. 2019; 30(8):p 828-837.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Argenta DF, Dotto MER, Santos-Silva MC, et al. PEO-chitosan nanofibers containing carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanoparticles loaded with pyrazoline for skin cancer treatment. Eur. Polym. J. 2019; 119:335-343.
Rengifo AFC, Stefanes NM, Toigo J, Mendes C, Santos-Silva MC, Nunes RJ, Parize AL, et al. A new and efficient carboxymethyl-hexanoyl chitosan/dodecyl sulfate nanocarrier for a pyrazoline with antileukemic activity. Mater. Sci. Eng. C [Internet]. 2019; 105:110051.
Maioral MF, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Zatelli GA, Philippus AC, Falkenberg MB, Santos-Silva MC. Miconidine acetate, a new selective and cytotoxic compound with synergic potential, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in leukemia cells. Invest. New Drugs. 2019; 37:912–922.
Srefanes NM, Toigo J, Maioral MF, Jacques AV, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Perondi DM, Ribeiro AAB, et al. Synthesis of novel pyrazoline derivatives and the evaluation of death mechanisms involved in their antileukemic activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2019; 27(2):375-382.
Maioral MF, Bodack CN, Stefanes NM, Bigolin A, Mascarello A, Chiaradia-Delatorre LD, Yunes RA, et al. Cytotoxic effect of a novel naphthylchalcone against multiple cancer cells focusing on hematologic malignancies. Biochim. 2017; 140:48-57.
You can view some of Dr Natália’s work below and links to her professional profile below.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalia-Stephanes
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliamarceli/
Does Z-Pak raise blood pressure?
Z-Pak (Azithromycin) is not commonly associated with causing a rise in your blood pressure. However, Z-Pak can affect your heart rhythm and may cause palpitations.
This is one of the most commonly reported side effects of this antibiotic in women and most avoid using Z-Pak for the very same reason. However, it still does not increase your blood pressure.
If you’re a cardiac patient or a chronic hypertensive patient, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using this antibiotic. If your infection could be treated with another antibiotic, your doctor may opt for it instead of Azithromycin simply because of the palpitations it may cause (1,2).
If you’re on Z-Pak and your blood pressure is markedly increased, reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as you can. The concomitant use of Z-Pak with other medications could also contribute to high blood pressure.
In fact, your dose, frequency, age, and genetics can also make a difference. Make sure you stick to your doctor’s recommended doses and report the side effects right away.
What factors can contribute to high blood pressure while taking Z-Pak?
While Z-Pak is not typically known to directly cause high blood pressure, there are certain factors that can contribute to an increase in blood pressure while taking this medication.
It’s important to note that these factors may vary among individuals, and not everyone will experience an elevation in blood pressure.
- Pre-existing hypertension: If you already have high blood pressure, Z-Pak may potentially affect your blood pressure levels. It is essential to monitor your blood pressure regularly and inform your healthcare provider if there are any significant changes.
- Interactions with other medications: Azithromycin can interact with certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs or diuretics, that are commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure. These interactions can potentially affect blood pressure control, so it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking.
- Underlying health conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or cardiovascular disease, can contribute to high blood pressure. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, they can interact with Z-Pak and influence blood pressure levels.
- Individual sensitivity: Each person may react differently to medications, and some individuals may be more susceptible to experiencing changes in blood pressure while taking Z-Pak.
What to do if your blood pressure rises while taking Z-Pak?
If you notice that your blood pressure is rising while taking Z-Pak, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. he/she will determine the exact cause of your high blood pressure and will guide you accordingly (3,4).
It is important to measure your blood pressure at home using a reliable blood pressure monitor. Keep a record of your readings and note any significant changes. This will provide valuable information for your healthcare provider to assess the situation.
our healthcare provider may recommend adjustments to your treatment plan. They might suggest modifications to your medication dosage, prescribe additional blood pressure medications, or recommend lifestyle changes to help manage your blood pressure effectively.
It is also important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits that can support blood pressure management. These may include eating a balanced diet low in sodium, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress levels, and limiting alcohol intake.
Remember, it’s crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and follow their guidance to ensure your blood pressure is well-controlled while taking Z-Pak. High blood pressure should not be ignored, as it can lead to various health complications if left untreated.
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References
1.-
Sandman Z, Iqbal OA. Azithromycin. 2023 Jan 15. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32491698. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557766
2.-
Peters DH, Friedel HA, McTavish D. Azithromycin. A review of its antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetic properties and clinical efficacy. Drugs. 1992 Nov;44(5):750-99. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199244050-00007. PMID: 1280567. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1280567/
3.-
Carey RM, Moran AE, Whelton PK. Treatment of Hypertension: A Review. JAMA. 2022 Nov 8;328(18):1849-1861. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.19590. PMID: 36346411. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36346411/
4.-
Schultz MG, Currie KD, Hedman K, Climie RE, Maiorana A, Coombes JS, Sharman JE. The Identification and Management of High Blood Pressure Using Exercise Blood Pressure: Current Evidence and Practical Guidance. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Feb 28;19(5):2819. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19052819. PMID: 35270514; PMCID: PMC8910717. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35270514/
