Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Ethanol
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Ethanol: minor 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
Alcohol may slightly alter erythromycin absorption and adds to gastrointestinal irritation. The effect on antibacterial efficacy is not clinically established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Ethanol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible altered gastrointestinal absorption of erythromycin, and additive GI irritation, with limited supporting data.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid or limit alcohol during the erythromycin course, especially if GI upset develops. No dose adjustment is needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Ethanol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Alcohol may slightly alter erythromycin absorption and adds to gastrointestinal irritation. The effect on antibacterial efficacy is not clinically established.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid or limit alcohol during the erythromycin course, especially if GI upset develops. No dose adjustment is needed.
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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