Drug interactions
Diazepam + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam and Erythromycin: 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 increase diazepam concentrations and prolong its effect. This may cause excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam and Erythromycin 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.
Diazepam belongs to Musculoskeletal; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of diazepam.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and consider a lower diazepam dose during erythromycin therapy. Counsel patients on driving and alcohol.
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 Erythromycin
- Conivaptan + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine intranasal + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Domperidone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Erythromycin Contraindicated
Other interactions of Diazepam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam and Erythromycin 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 increase diazepam concentrations and prolong its effect. This may cause excessive sedation, psychomotor impairment and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam and Erythromycin?
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 sedation and consider a lower diazepam dose during erythromycin therapy. Counsel patients on driving and alcohol.
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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