Drug interactions
Clomipramine + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Major
Clomipramine and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate: major 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 can raise clomipramine concentrations and both drugs prolong the QT interval. The combination increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clomipramine and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Use a non-macrolide antibiotic if possible, such as one without QT effects. If combined, obtain an ECG and monitor for tricyclic toxicity.
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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Other interactions of Clomipramine
- Arsenic trioxide + Clomipramine Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Clomipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clomipramine with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clomipramine and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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. Erythromycin can raise clomipramine concentrations and both drugs prolong the QT interval. The combination increases the risk of tricyclic toxicity and torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Clomipramine and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-macrolide antibiotic if possible, such as one without QT effects. If combined, obtain an ECG and monitor for tricyclic toxicity.
What other medicines interact with Clomipramine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clomipramine with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Dofetilide, Droperidol. The full list is on the Clomipramine page.
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