Drug interactions
Doxorubicin liposomal + Erythromycin
Severity: Moderate
Doxorubicin liposomal 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
Doxorubicin is a substrate of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, both inhibited by erythromycin. Exposure to free doxorubicin may therefore increase, raising the risk of myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity, although the liposomal form has less dependence on these pathways.
What this interaction means in plain words
Doxorubicin liposomal 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
Inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein by erythromycin may reduce doxorubicin clearance.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and for signs of doxorubicin toxicity. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as one without CYP3A4 or P-gp inhibition.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Doxorubicin liposomal and Erythromycin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Doxorubicin liposomal with Erythromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Doxorubicin liposomal 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 is a substrate of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, both inhibited by erythromycin. Exposure to free doxorubicin may therefore increase, raising the risk of myelosuppression and cardiotoxicity, although the liposomal form has less dependence on these pathways.
How serious is the interaction between Doxorubicin liposomal 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 blood counts and for signs of doxorubicin toxicity. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as one without CYP3A4 or P-gp inhibition.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
