Drug interactions
Ceritinib + Erythromycin
Severity: Major
Ceritinib and Erythromycin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Health Canada product monograph
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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and erythromycin may raise ceritinib levels while ceritinib may raise erythromycin levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and other arrhythmias.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ceritinib and Erythromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ceritinib belongs to Oncology; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation combined with mutual CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging, non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and reduce ceritinib dose as labeled.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
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 Ceritinib
- Ceritinib + Cisapride Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Flibanserin Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ceritinib + Tolvaptan Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ceritinib with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ceritinib and Erythromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, and erythromycin may raise ceritinib levels while ceritinib may raise erythromycin levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. This increases the risk of torsades de pointes and other arrhythmias.
How serious is the interaction between Ceritinib and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose a non-QT-prolonging, non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG and electrolytes and reduce ceritinib dose as labeled.
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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