Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Insulin degludec / insulin aspart
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart: 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
Macrolides, including erythromycin, have occasionally been associated with hypoglycemia in patients on glucose-lowering agents. The legacy description of a synergistic glucose-lowering effect is not well supported for erythromycin, and evidence is limited to isolated reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
No established mechanism; isolated reports of hypoglycemia with macrolides.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more closely during the antibiotic course and adjust insulin if hypoglycemia occurs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Insulin degludec / insulin aspart?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Macrolides, including erythromycin, have occasionally been associated with hypoglycemia in patients on glucose-lowering agents. The legacy description of a synergistic glucose-lowering effect is not well supported for erythromycin, and evidence is limited to isolated reports.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Insulin degludec / insulin aspart?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more closely during the antibiotic course and adjust insulin if hypoglycemia occurs.
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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