Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Etoposide
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Etoposide: 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 etoposide exposure, potentially intensifying myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Etoposide 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Etoposide belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism and P-glycoprotein efflux of etoposide.
What to do
Monitor blood counts and toxicity; consider a non-inhibiting antibiotic alternative if possible.
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 Etoposide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Etoposide Contraindicated
- Etoposide + Pentostatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Etoposide Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Etoposide Major
- Etoposide + Fingolimod Major
- Etoposide + Fosphenytoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Etoposide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Etoposide 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 etoposide exposure, potentially intensifying myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Etoposide?
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 toxicity; consider a non-inhibiting antibiotic alternative if possible.
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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