Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Oxaliplatin
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Oxaliplatin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 have been associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. Electrolyte loss from chemotherapy can increase this risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Oxaliplatin 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; Oxaliplatin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through delayed cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic where practical. If combined, check baseline ECG, keep potassium and magnesium replete and monitor QTc.
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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References
- Oxaliplatin 5 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (names the partner; "acil has been observed. In vitro , no significant displacement of oxaliplatin binding to plasma proteins has been observed with the following agents: erythromyc") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Oxaliplatin
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Oxaliplatin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Oxaliplatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Oxaliplatin 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 have been associated with QT prolongation, so combined use may add to the risk of torsades de pointes. Electrolyte loss from chemotherapy can increase this risk.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Oxaliplatin?
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 an alternative antibiotic where practical. If combined, check baseline ECG, keep potassium and magnesium replete and monitor QTc.
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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