Drug interactions
Diazepam + Erythromycin stearate
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam and Erythromycin stearate: 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 can raise diazepam concentrations and prolong its half-life. This may cause excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment and, in vulnerable patients, respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Erythromycin stearate 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, reducing the oxidative metabolism of diazepam and its active metabolite.
What to do
Monitor for oversedation and consider reducing the diazepam dose during the antibiotic course. Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin where appropriate, especially in elderly or respiratory-compromised patients.
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 stearate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam and Erythromycin stearate 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 can raise diazepam concentrations and prolong its half-life. This may cause excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment and, in vulnerable patients, respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Erythromycin stearate?
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 oversedation and consider reducing the diazepam dose during the antibiotic course. Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin where appropriate, especially in elderly or respiratory-compromised patients.
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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