Drug interactions
Bexarotene + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Bexarotene 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, which contributes to bexarotene metabolism, so bexarotene concentrations may rise. This could increase dose-related effects such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bexarotene 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.
Bexarotene belongs to Oncology; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated bexarotene metabolism by erythromycin.
What to do
Monitor lipids, thyroid function and for signs of bexarotene toxicity, and consider reducing the bexarotene dose if adverse effects emerge. Choose a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic where practical.
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 Bexarotene
- Bexarotene + Gemfibrozil Major
- Bexarotene + Lorlatinib Major
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Bexarotene Moderate
- Amobarbital + Bexarotene Moderate
- Aprepitant + Bexarotene Moderate
- Axitinib + Bexarotene Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bexarotene with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bexarotene 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, which contributes to bexarotene metabolism, so bexarotene concentrations may rise. This could increase dose-related effects such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
How serious is the interaction between Bexarotene 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 lipids, thyroid function and for signs of bexarotene toxicity, and consider reducing the bexarotene dose if adverse effects emerge. Choose a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic where practical.
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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