Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Mefloquine: 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 may increase mefloquine concentrations. Mefloquine can cause neuropsychiatric effects and QT prolongation, and macrolides also prolong QT, so the combination adds arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin raises mefloquine levels, with additive QT effects.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If used together, consider an ECG and monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Mefloquine 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 may increase mefloquine concentrations. Mefloquine can cause neuropsychiatric effects and QT prolongation, and macrolides also prolong QT, so the combination adds arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If used together, consider an ECG and monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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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