z-pack and tachycardia

[mmd50]

Why is it that taking oral antibiotics (leviquin, biaxin and now Z pack) seem to give me spells of palpitations--rapid/pounding heart beat?  This is listed as a side effect, but I'd like to know if there's a chemical explanation.  I am a 49 year-old female runner w/ normal resting hr of about 50-55.  I have a history of PAC's and PVC's but nothing serious.  

[rilesnic]

Some antibiotics actually have anti-arrythmic properties, while others can cause that side effect.  Sometimes when I take antibiotics I feel better than ever and don't have one PAC.  My dr. does keep me away from any of those that are known to have those side effects, so it must be the formula in how the drug is made.

[ireneo]

I have a life long history of arrhythmias but have never experienced any change in mine while taking anti-b's. And I've taken a variety of them over my many years. I can see where one or two might give you fits (I happen to hate metronidazole that they gave me for diverticulitis). Talk to you doctor, let her/him know how these make you feel. There are others on the market but remember, certain anti-B's are good for certain types of bacteria. So there will be some limitations on how many options you have.