Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Hydrocortisone
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Hydrocortisone: 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
Erythromycin may modestly raise hydrocortisone exposure by inhibiting its metabolism, which could increase corticosteroid adverse effects with prolonged use. The effect is generally small, and clinically relevant mostly with high doses or long courses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Hydrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition reduces corticosteroid clearance.
What to do
No routine change is needed; monitor for steroid excess such as fluid retention, hyperglycemia, or hypertension during prolonged therapy.
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
Other interactions of Hydrocortisone
- Hydrocortisone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Poliovirus vaccine live oral trivalent Contraindicated
- Hydrocortisone + Smallpox vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aldesleukin + Hydrocortisone Major
- Aspirin + Hydrocortisone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Hydrocortisone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Erythromycin may modestly raise hydrocortisone exposure by inhibiting its metabolism, which could increase corticosteroid adverse effects with prolonged use. The effect is generally small, and clinically relevant mostly with high doses or long courses.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Hydrocortisone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed; monitor for steroid excess such as fluid retention, hyperglycemia, or hypertension during prolonged therapy.
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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