Drug interactions
Erlotinib + Erythromycin ethylsuccinate
Severity: Moderate
Erlotinib and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate: 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 can raise erlotinib exposure, increasing risk of dose-related toxicities such as diarrhea, rash and interstitial lung disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erlotinib and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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-mediated erlotinib metabolism by erythromycin.
What to do
Prefer an antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP3A4, such as azithromycin if suitable. If used, monitor for erlotinib toxicity and reduce the dose in steps if it occurs.
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 Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erlotinib with Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erlotinib and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate 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 can raise erlotinib exposure, increasing risk of dose-related toxicities such as diarrhea, rash and interstitial lung disease.
How serious is the interaction between Erlotinib and Erythromycin ethylsuccinate?
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 that does not inhibit CYP3A4, such as azithromycin if suitable. If used, monitor for erlotinib toxicity and reduce the dose in steps if it occurs.
What other medicines interact with Erlotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Erlotinib with, for example, Amobarbital, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine. The full list is on the Erlotinib page.
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