Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Pitavastatin
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Pitavastatin: major 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 raises pitavastatin exposure, which increases the risk of statin-related myopathy and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. The effect is clinically relevant mainly in patients with renal impairment or other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Pitavastatin 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; Pitavastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Inhibition of OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pitavastatin by erythromycin, increasing systemic statin concentrations.
What to do
Limit pitavastatin to the labeled maximum dose with erythromycin, or use a non-interacting antibiotic or temporarily hold the statin. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
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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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 Pitavastatin
- Cyclosporine + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Erythromycin base + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin stearate + Pitavastatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Pitavastatin 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 raises pitavastatin exposure, which increases the risk of statin-related myopathy and, rarely, rhabdomyolysis. The effect is clinically relevant mainly in patients with renal impairment or other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit pitavastatin to the labeled maximum dose with erythromycin, or use a non-interacting antibiotic or temporarily hold the statin. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness and check CK if symptoms occur.
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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