Drug interactions
Diazepam + Erythromycin base
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam 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 CYP3A4 and can reduce clearance of diazepam, prolonging and intensifying its sedative effects. The effect is typically modest but can matter in elderly patients or with repeated dosing.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of diazepam by erythromycin.
What to do
Monitor for excess sedation and psychomotor impairment and lower the diazepam dose if needed. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if feasible.
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 Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Erythromycin base?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam 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 CYP3A4 and can reduce clearance of diazepam, prolonging and intensifying its sedative effects. The effect is typically modest but can matter in elderly patients or with repeated dosing.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam 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 excess sedation and psychomotor impairment and lower the diazepam dose if needed. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Diazepam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Diazepam with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Alfentanil, Alprazolam. The full list is on the Diazepam page.
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