Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Nafcillin
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Nafcillin: minor 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
Bacteriostatic macrolides may theoretically blunt the bactericidal activity of beta-lactams that act on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced outcomes is limited and mainly derived from older in vitro and case data.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Nafcillin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism, with erythromycin slowing bacterial growth that nafcillin's cell wall activity depends on.
What to do
Avoid unnecessary combination in serious infections such as meningitis or endocarditis. Where combination is indicated, monitor clinical response.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Erythromycin and Nafcillin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Nafcillin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Nafcillin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bacteriostatic macrolides may theoretically blunt the bactericidal activity of beta-lactams that act on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence of reduced outcomes is limited and mainly derived from older in vitro and case data.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Nafcillin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid unnecessary combination in serious infections such as meningitis or endocarditis. Where combination is indicated, monitor clinical response.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
