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Drug interactions

Dabigatran etexilate + Erythromycin base

Severity: Moderate

Dabigatran etexilate and Erythromycin base: 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 P-glycoprotein and may modestly increase dabigatran exposure. This raises the chance of bleeding, especially when kidney function is impaired.

What this interaction means in plain words

Dabigatran etexilate and Erythromycin base 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.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Erythromycin inhibits P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux of dabigatran etexilate, increasing absorption.

What to do

Monitor for bleeding and renal function during the antibiotic course. Avoid the combination in patients with significant renal impairment.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Dabigatran etexilate with Erythromycin base?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dabigatran etexilate and Erythromycin base 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 P-glycoprotein and may modestly increase dabigatran exposure. This raises the chance of bleeding, especially when kidney function is impaired.

How serious is the interaction between Dabigatran etexilate and Erythromycin base?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for bleeding and renal function during the antibiotic course. Avoid the combination in patients with significant renal impairment.

What other medicines interact with Dabigatran etexilate?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Dabigatran etexilate with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Mifepristone. The full list is on the Dabigatran etexilate page.

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