Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and can lower erythromycin concentrations, risking antibacterial treatment failure. Additive sedation is not a concern from erythromycin, but efficacy loss may matter in serious infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Pentobarbital 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
Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4, increasing erythromycin metabolism.
What to do
Monitor clinical response to the antibiotic and consider a non-CYP3A4-dependent alternative if the infection is serious. Adjust therapy if response is inadequate.
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 Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and can lower erythromycin concentrations, risking antibacterial treatment failure. Additive sedation is not a concern from erythromycin, but efficacy loss may matter in serious infections.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Pentobarbital?
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 clinical response to the antibiotic and consider a non-CYP3A4-dependent alternative if the infection is serious. Adjust therapy if response is inadequate.
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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