Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Ciprofloxacin 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
Both macrolides and fluoroquinolones prolong the QT interval, and combined use may increase risk of torsade de pointes. Ciprofloxacin has a relatively lower QT liability than other quinolones.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin 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
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Avoid combining where an alternative exists. If used together, correct potassium and magnesium and obtain an ECG in patients with additional risk factors.
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 Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Ciprofloxacin 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. Both macrolides and fluoroquinolones prolong the QT interval, and combined use may increase risk of torsade de pointes. Ciprofloxacin has a relatively lower QT liability than other quinolones.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin 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: Avoid combining where an alternative exists. If used together, correct potassium and magnesium and obtain an ECG in patients with additional risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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