Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Maprotiline
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Maprotiline: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Erythromycin may also raise maprotiline levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Maprotiline 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; Maprotiline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible metabolic inhibition by erythromycin.
What to do
Use a different antibiotic if possible. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia and seizures.
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?
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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 Maprotiline
- Arsenic trioxide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Maprotiline Contraindicated
- Maprotiline + Methylene blue Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Maprotiline 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. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Erythromycin may also raise maprotiline levels.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Maprotiline?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a different antibiotic if possible. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for arrhythmia and seizures.
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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