Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Methylprednisolone: 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 markedly reduces methylprednisolone clearance, increasing systemic corticosteroid exposure and adverse effects. Methylprednisolone may modestly affect erythromycin levels, but this is of little importance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Methylprednisolone 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; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of methylprednisolone.
What to do
Monitor for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and mood changes. Consider lowering the methylprednisolone dose during combined use.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Methylprednisolone 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 markedly reduces methylprednisolone clearance, increasing systemic corticosteroid exposure and adverse effects. Methylprednisolone may modestly affect erythromycin levels, but this is of little importance.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for corticosteroid excess such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention and mood changes. Consider lowering the methylprednisolone dose during combined use.
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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