Drug interactions
Asenapine transdermal + Erythromycin
Severity: Major
Asenapine transdermal and Erythromycin: 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
Asenapine and erythromycin each prolong the QTc interval, so combined use increases the chance of serious ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or existing cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Asenapine transdermal and Erythromycin 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 pharmacodynamic QT interval prolongation.
What to do
Choose a non-macrolide antibiotic when possible. If both are required, check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and monitor the QTc during therapy.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Asenapine transdermal with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Asenapine transdermal and Erythromycin 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. Asenapine and erythromycin each prolong the QTc interval, so combined use increases the chance of serious ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with electrolyte disturbances, bradycardia or existing cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Asenapine transdermal and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-macrolide antibiotic when possible. If both are required, check ECG and electrolytes at baseline and monitor the QTc during therapy.
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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