Drug interactions
Aminolevulinic acid + Erythromycin
Severity: Minor
Aminolevulinic acid and Erythromycin: 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
Erythromycin is a macrolide with little recognized photosensitizing effect, and the legacy photosensitizer concern is theoretical. Photosensitizing drugs may increase phototoxic reactions with aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aminolevulinic acid and Erythromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Aminolevulinic acid belongs to Miscellaneous; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Possible additive phototoxicity, though not well established for erythromycin.
What to do
Advise the patient to avoid sun exposure to treated areas as directed after therapy, and monitor for exaggerated phototoxic reactions.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Aminolevulinic acid
- Acitretin + Aminolevulinic acid Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Doxycycline Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Isotretinoin Major
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amiodarone Moderate
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amlodipine-hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan Moderate
- Aminolevulinic acid + Amlodipine-olmesartan-hydrochlorothiazide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aminolevulinic acid with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Aminolevulinic acid and Erythromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Erythromycin is a macrolide with little recognized photosensitizing effect, and the legacy photosensitizer concern is theoretical. Photosensitizing drugs may increase phototoxic reactions with aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy.
How serious is the interaction between Aminolevulinic acid and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise the patient to avoid sun exposure to treated areas as directed after therapy, and monitor for exaggerated phototoxic reactions.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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