Drug interactions
Asenapine + Erythromycin stearate
Severity: Major
Asenapine and Erythromycin stearate: major 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 recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Together with asenapine the QTc effects add, increasing the arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine and Erythromycin stearate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where suitable. If the combination is needed, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Asenapine
- Asenapine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Asenapine + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Asenapine Major
- Alfentanil + Asenapine Major
- Alfuzosin + Asenapine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine with Erythromycin stearate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine and Erythromycin stearate can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Erythromycin is a recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes. Together with asenapine the QTc effects add, increasing the arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbances or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine and Erythromycin stearate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic where suitable. If the combination is needed, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia.
What other medicines interact with Asenapine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Asenapine with, for example, Pimozide, Thioridazine, Vandetanib. The full list is on the Asenapine page.
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