Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Imatinib: 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 can raise imatinib plasma concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as fluid retention, nausea, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity, and imatinib may also prolong QT.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Imatinib 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; Imatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of imatinib and may inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux.
What to do
Monitor for imatinib toxicity, blood counts and liver tests, and consider an ECG. Reduce the imatinib dose if toxicity develops, or choose a non-inhibiting antibiotic such as azithromycin.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Imatinib 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 can raise imatinib plasma concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as fluid retention, nausea, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity, and imatinib may also prolong QT.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Imatinib?
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 for imatinib toxicity, blood counts and liver tests, and consider an ECG. Reduce the imatinib dose if toxicity develops, or choose a non-inhibiting antibiotic such as azithromycin.
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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