Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Erythromycin base
Severity: Moderate
Doxorubicin and Erythromycin base: 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 P-gp and may increase doxorubicin exposure and toxicity such as myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin and Erythromycin base 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 and P-glycoprotein, reducing doxorubicin clearance.
What to do
Use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin when appropriate. If combined, monitor blood counts and cardiac function.
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 Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxorubicin with Erythromycin base?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxorubicin and Erythromycin base 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 P-gp and may increase doxorubicin exposure and toxicity such as myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin and Erythromycin base?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin when appropriate. If combined, monitor blood counts and cardiac function.
What other medicines interact with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Doxorubicin with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Belatacept, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Doxorubicin page.
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