Drug interactions
Amoxicillin + Erythromycin
Severity: Minor
Amoxicillin 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
Bacteriostatic macrolides have been thought to blunt the activity of bactericidal beta-lactams, but clinical evidence of reduced effectiveness is inconsistent. In practice the combination is often used, for example for atypical coverage in pneumonia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amoxicillin 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.
Amoxicillin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between a bacteriostatic macrolide and a bactericidal beta-lactam.
What to do
No routine change is needed; ensure adequate beta-lactam dosing in serious infections and review clinical response.
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 Amoxicillin
- Amoxicillin + Methotrexate Major
- Amoxicillin + Bcg vaccine live Moderate
- Amoxicillin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Amoxicillin + Eravacycline Moderate
- Amoxicillin + Microbiota Moderate
- Amoxicillin + Mycophenolate Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amoxicillin with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Amoxicillin 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. Bacteriostatic macrolides have been thought to blunt the activity of bactericidal beta-lactams, but clinical evidence of reduced effectiveness is inconsistent. In practice the combination is often used, for example for atypical coverage in pneumonia.
How serious is the interaction between Amoxicillin 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: No routine change is needed; ensure adequate beta-lactam dosing in serious infections and review clinical response.
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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