Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Lithium: 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
Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbance. Case reports also describe lithium toxicity with macrolides.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization; a possible effect on lithium renal handling is not well established.
What to do
Obtain an ECG and check electrolytes if combining. Monitor serum lithium levels and for signs of toxicity during the antibiotic course.
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 Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Lithium 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. Both drugs have been associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbance. Case reports also describe lithium toxicity with macrolides.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain an ECG and check electrolytes if combining. Monitor serum lithium levels and for signs of toxicity during the antibiotic course.
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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