Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Methyl aminolevulinate
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Methyl aminolevulinate: 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 is a photosensitizing antibiotic, and combining it with topical photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolevulinate may intensify phototoxic skin reactions. Topical systemic absorption is low, so the effect is mostly local and theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Methyl aminolevulinate 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.
Why it happens
Additive photosensitization.
What to do
Consider deferring photodynamic therapy until erythromycin is completed where feasible; otherwise advise strict light protection and monitor for severe skin reactions.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Methyl aminolevulinate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Methyl aminolevulinate 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 is a photosensitizing antibiotic, and combining it with topical photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolevulinate may intensify phototoxic skin reactions. Topical systemic absorption is low, so the effect is mostly local and theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Methyl aminolevulinate?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider deferring photodynamic therapy until erythromycin is completed where feasible; otherwise advise strict light protection and monitor for severe skin reactions.
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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