Drug interactions
Cilostazol + Erythromycin stearate
Severity: Moderate
Cilostazol and Erythromycin stearate: 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 and increases cilostazol concentrations. This can amplify the vasodilatory and cardiac adverse effects of cilostazol, such as tachycardia, palpitations and headache.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cilostazol and Erythromycin stearate 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 CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of cilostazol.
What to do
Reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily during erythromycin therapy. Monitor for tachycardia and headache, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as one that does not inhibit CYP3A4.
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 Cilostazol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cilostazol with Erythromycin stearate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cilostazol and Erythromycin stearate 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 and increases cilostazol concentrations. This can amplify the vasodilatory and cardiac adverse effects of cilostazol, such as tachycardia, palpitations and headache.
How serious is the interaction between Cilostazol and Erythromycin stearate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce cilostazol to 50 mg twice daily during erythromycin therapy. Monitor for tachycardia and headache, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as one that does not inhibit CYP3A4.
What other medicines interact with Cilostazol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cilostazol with, for example, Abrocitinib, Anagrelide, Betrixaban. The full list is on the Cilostazol page.
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