Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Aripiprazole and Erythromycin: moderate 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise aripiprazole levels, increasing sedation, akathisia and other adverse effects. Both drugs may also have some QT effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Erythromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin reduces aripiprazole clearance; possible additive QT effect.
What to do
Monitor for adverse effects; labeling advises reducing aripiprazole dose with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, and moderate inhibitors may warrant careful monitoring.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aripiprazole and Erythromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise aripiprazole levels, increasing sedation, akathisia and other adverse effects. Both drugs may also have some QT effects.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for adverse effects; labeling advises reducing aripiprazole dose with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, and moderate inhibitors may warrant careful monitoring.
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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