Drug interactions
Dapsone + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Dapsone 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
Erythromycin may raise dapsone exposure because part of dapsone clearance depends on CYP3A4. Higher levels could increase dose-related adverse effects such as hemolysis and methemoglobinemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dapsone 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
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of dapsone, reducing its clearance.
What to do
Monitor for methemoglobinemia, hemolysis and anemia (CBC) if combined. Consider reducing the dapsone dose if toxicity appears.
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 Dapsone
- Bcg vaccine live + Dapsone Major
- Dapsone + Primaquine Major
- Apalutamide + Dapsone Moderate
- Belzutifan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bosentan + Dapsone Moderate
- Bupivacaine implant + Dapsone Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dapsone with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dapsone 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. Erythromycin may raise dapsone exposure because part of dapsone clearance depends on CYP3A4. Higher levels could increase dose-related adverse effects such as hemolysis and methemoglobinemia.
How serious is the interaction between Dapsone 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: Monitor for methemoglobinemia, hemolysis and anemia (CBC) if combined. Consider reducing the dapsone dose if toxicity appears.
What other medicines interact with Dapsone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dapsone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Primaquine, Apalutamide. The full list is on the Dapsone page.
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