Drug interactions
Cefuroxime + Erythromycin
Severity: Minor
Cefuroxime and Erythromycin: minor 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
Macrolide bacteriostatic activity could theoretically blunt the bactericidal effect of a beta-lactam that depends on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced cure rates is limited and the combination is often used deliberately.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefuroxime and Erythromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between a protein synthesis inhibitor and a cell-wall-active bactericidal agent.
What to do
No routine change is needed; monitor clinical response and de-escalate to a single agent when culture results allow.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Cefuroxime
- Aluminum hydroxide + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Amikacin + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Cefuroxime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefuroxime with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefuroxime and Erythromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Macrolide bacteriostatic activity could theoretically blunt the bactericidal effect of a beta-lactam that depends on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced cure rates is limited and the combination is often used deliberately.
How serious is the interaction between Cefuroxime and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; monitor clinical response and de-escalate to a single agent when culture results allow.
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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