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Drug interactions

Erythromycin + Idelalisib

Severity: Major

Erythromycin and Idelalisib: major 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

Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and can substantially raise erythromycin concentrations. This increases the risk of erythromycin toxicity including QT prolongation.

What this interaction means in plain words

Erythromycin and Idelalisib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Idelalisib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Strong CYP3A inhibition by idelalisib reduces erythromycin clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination and use an antibiotic not cleared by CYP3A, such as azithromycin with ECG consideration or doxycycline. If unavoidable, monitor the ECG and for GI and auditory toxicity.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Erythromycin with Idelalisib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Idelalisib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Idelalisib is a strong CYP3A inhibitor and can substantially raise erythromycin concentrations. This increases the risk of erythromycin toxicity including QT prolongation.

How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Idelalisib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and use an antibiotic not cleared by CYP3A, such as azithromycin with ECG consideration or doxycycline. If unavoidable, monitor the ECG and for GI and auditory toxicity.

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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