Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Pioglitazone: 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
Pioglitazone is metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 with a minor contribution from CYP3A4, so erythromycin is expected to have little effect. Any increase in exposure is likely small.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin on a minor metabolic pathway of pioglitazone.
What to do
No dose change is needed. Monitor glucose and for edema as usual.
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?
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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 Pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pioglitazone is metabolized mainly by CYP2C8 with a minor contribution from CYP3A4, so erythromycin is expected to have little effect. Any increase in exposure is likely small.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is needed. Monitor glucose and for edema as usual.
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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