Drug interactions
Buspirone + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Buspirone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate: 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, the main enzyme that clears buspirone, so buspirone exposure rises substantially. This can cause excess sedation, dizziness, nausea and other serotonergic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buspirone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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
Erythromycin inhibits intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4, reducing first-pass and systemic metabolism of buspirone.
What to do
Start buspirone at a low dose and titrate cautiously, or reduce the dose while erythromycin is given. Monitor for sedation and dizziness, or choose a non-macrolide 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?
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Other interactions of Buspirone
- Buspirone + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline Contraindicated
- Buspirone + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buspirone with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buspirone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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, the main enzyme that clears buspirone, so buspirone exposure rises substantially. This can cause excess sedation, dizziness, nausea and other serotonergic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Buspirone and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Start buspirone at a low dose and titrate cautiously, or reduce the dose while erythromycin is given. Monitor for sedation and dizziness, or choose a non-macrolide antibiotic.
What other medicines interact with Buspirone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buspirone with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Buspirone page.
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