Drug interactions
Dolasetron + Erythromycin
Severity: Major
Dolasetron and Erythromycin: major 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
Both drugs prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or cardiac disease. Dolasetron's active metabolite hydrodolasetron also prolongs PR and QRS intervals.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dolasetron and Erythromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Dolasetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic or antibiotic alternative; if combined, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor ECG.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Dolasetron
- Apomorphine + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dolasetron with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Dolasetron and Erythromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with electrolyte disturbance or cardiac disease. Dolasetron's active metabolite hydrodolasetron also prolongs PR and QRS intervals.
How serious is the interaction between Dolasetron and Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antiemetic or antibiotic alternative; if combined, correct potassium and magnesium and monitor ECG.
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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