Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Gemtuzumab
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Gemtuzumab: 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
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin carries a labeled warning about QT prolongation, and erythromycin also prolongs QT. Combined use may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with electrolyte disturbances in patients with leukemia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Gemtuzumab 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
Additive QT interval prolongation.
What to do
Obtain ECG and electrolytes before and during treatment and correct potassium and magnesium. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when 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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Gemtuzumab?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Gemtuzumab 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. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin carries a labeled warning about QT prolongation, and erythromycin also prolongs QT. Combined use may raise the risk of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly with electrolyte disturbances in patients with leukemia.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Gemtuzumab?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain ECG and electrolytes before and during treatment and correct potassium and magnesium. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when 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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