Drug interactions
Deflazacort + Erythromycin
Severity: Major
Deflazacort and Erythromycin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 raises exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite, which can amplify corticosteroid effects such as immunosuppression, fluid retention and adrenal suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Deflazacort and Erythromycin 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.
Deflazacort belongs to Miscellaneous; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism of the active metabolite, with possible contribution from P-glycoprotein inhibition.
What to do
Reduce deflazacort to one-third of the usual dose while a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is used, and monitor for corticosteroid adverse effects.
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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References
- Erythromycin 250 mg Gastro-resistant Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: systemic and inhaled corticosteroids that are primarily metabolised by CYP3A; "Caution should be exercised in concomitant use of erythromycin with systemic and inhaled corticosteroids that are primarily metabolis… — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Deflazacort
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Deflazacort Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live Contraindicated
- Deflazacort + Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Deflazacort with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Deflazacort and Erythromycin 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 raises exposure to deflazacort's active metabolite, which can amplify corticosteroid effects such as immunosuppression, fluid retention and adrenal suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Deflazacort and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce deflazacort to one-third of the usual dose while a moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is used, and monitor for corticosteroid adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Erythromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erythromycin with, for example, Conivaptan, Dihydroergotamine intranasal, Dihydroergotamine. The full list is on the Erythromycin page.
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