Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Insulin inhaled
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Insulin inhaled: 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
Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin have occasionally been associated with hypoglycemia, which may add to the glucose-lowering effect of inhaled insulin. The effect is unpredictable and is mainly a concern in patients with diabetes who already have variable glycemic control.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Insulin inhaled 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
Possible additive glucose-lowering effect; erythromycin may enhance insulin secretion or motilin-related effects, but the mechanism is not firmly established.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more frequently when erythromycin is started or stopped, and adjust the insulin dose 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 inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Insulin inhaled have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin have occasionally been associated with hypoglycemia, which may add to the glucose-lowering effect of inhaled insulin. The effect is unpredictable and is mainly a concern in patients with diabetes who already have variable glycemic control.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Insulin inhaled?
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 frequently when erythromycin is started or stopped, and adjust the insulin dose 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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