Drug interactions
Doxorubicin + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Doxorubicin 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 may increase doxorubicin exposure, which could worsen myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin 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.
Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology; Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux and CYP3A4 metabolism of doxorubicin.
What to do
Prefer an antibiotic without P-gp or CYP3A4 inhibition; if used, monitor blood counts and signs of cardiotoxicity.
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 Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Doxorubicin with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxorubicin 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 may increase doxorubicin exposure, which could worsen myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin 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: Prefer an antibiotic without P-gp or CYP3A4 inhibition; if used, monitor blood counts and signs of cardiotoxicity.
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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