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Drug interactions

Bromocriptine + Erythromycin

Severity: Moderate

Bromocriptine 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 can increase bromocriptine concentrations, leading to nausea, hypotension, headache, dizziness and other dopaminergic effects.

What this interaction means in plain words

Bromocriptine 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.

Bromocriptine belongs to Central Nervous System; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated bromocriptine metabolism by erythromycin.

What to do

Monitor for dopaminergic adverse effects and lower the bromocriptine dose if they occur. Consider an alternative antibiotic.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Bromocriptine with Erythromycin?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bromocriptine 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 can increase bromocriptine concentrations, leading to nausea, hypotension, headache, dizziness and other dopaminergic effects.

How serious is the interaction between Bromocriptine 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 dopaminergic adverse effects and lower the bromocriptine dose if they occur. Consider an alternative antibiotic.

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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