Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Buprenorphine patches carry a QT prolongation warning and erythromycin also prolongs the QT interval, so combined use may raise arrhythmia risk. CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin can also increase buprenorphine exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin raising buprenorphine exposure.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic where possible; otherwise monitor ECG in at-risk patients and observe for sedation or respiratory depression.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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. Buprenorphine patches carry a QT prolongation warning and erythromycin also prolongs the QT interval, so combined use may raise arrhythmia risk. CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin can also increase buprenorphine exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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: Use an alternative antibiotic where possible; otherwise monitor ECG in at-risk patients and observe for sedation or respiratory depression.
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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