Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Pitolisant
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Pitolisant: 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
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors. Erythromycin is not a strong CYP2D6 or 3A4 inhibitor of major concern here, but the additive QT effect is relevant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Pitolisant 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; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT interval prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible by using a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If necessary, obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Pitolisant 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 can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes, especially with other risk factors. Erythromycin is not a strong CYP2D6 or 3A4 inhibitor of major concern here, but the additive QT effect is relevant.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible by using a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If necessary, obtain a baseline ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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