Drug interactions
Diazepam + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam 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 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 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
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Diazepam and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam 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 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 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 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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
