Drug interactions
Diazepam intranasal + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Diazepam intranasal 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 inhibits CYP3A4, which contributes to diazepam metabolism, so diazepam clearance falls and its effects are prolonged. This increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Diazepam intranasal 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.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin reduces diazepam elimination.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in elderly patients or those taking other CNS depressants. Reduce the diazepam dose or choose a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic if needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Diazepam intranasal with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Diazepam intranasal 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 inhibits CYP3A4, which contributes to diazepam metabolism, so diazepam clearance falls and its effects are prolonged. This increases sedation and the risk of respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Diazepam intranasal 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 excessive sedation and respiratory depression, particularly in elderly patients or those taking other CNS depressants. Reduce the diazepam dose or choose a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic if needed.
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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