Drug interactions
Ampicillin + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin 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
In vitro, bacteriostatic macrolides can blunt the activity of beta-lactams against actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence for reduced efficacy is limited and inconsistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin 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
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between a bacteriostatic protein synthesis inhibitor and a bactericidal cell-wall-active agent.
What to do
No routine change is needed. Review clinical response if both are used for a serious infection such as meningitis or endocarditis.
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 Ampicillin
- Allopurinol + Ampicillin Moderate
- Ampicillin + Bcg vaccine live Moderate
- Ampicillin + Chloramphenicol Moderate
- Ampicillin + Chloroquine Moderate
- Ampicillin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Ampicillin + Demeclocycline Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ampicillin with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin 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. In vitro, bacteriostatic macrolides can blunt the activity of beta-lactams against actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence for reduced efficacy is limited and inconsistent.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin 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 change is needed. Review clinical response if both are used for a serious infection such as meningitis or endocarditis.
What other medicines interact with Ampicillin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ampicillin with, for example, Allopurinol, Bcg vaccine live, Chloramphenicol. The full list is on the Ampicillin page.
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