Drug interactions
Aluminum hydroxide + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Minor
Aluminum hydroxide and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Antacids containing aluminum have been reported to alter erythromycin absorption, but the direction and size of the effect vary between salts and studies. Any change is generally small and unlikely to alter treatment outcomes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aluminum hydroxide and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
The mechanism is not well established; altered gastric pH or binding in the gut may modestly affect erythromycin absorption.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. If a reduced antibiotic response is suspected, separate the antacid and erythromycin doses by about 2 hours.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Aluminum hydroxide
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aluminum hydroxide with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Aluminum hydroxide and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Antacids containing aluminum have been reported to alter erythromycin absorption, but the direction and size of the effect vary between salts and studies. Any change is generally small and unlikely to alter treatment outcomes.
How serious is the interaction between Aluminum hydroxide and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed. If a reduced antibiotic response is suspected, separate the antacid and erythromycin doses by about 2 hours.
What other medicines interact with Aluminum hydroxide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Aluminum hydroxide with, for example, Ciprofloxacin, Deferasirox, Dolutegravir. The full list is on the Aluminum hydroxide page.
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