Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Pravastatin
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin and Pravastatin: 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
Erythromycin may modestly raise pravastatin exposure, possibly increasing the risk of myopathy. Pravastatin is not significantly metabolized by CYP3A4, so the effect is smaller than with other statins.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Pravastatin 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; Pravastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pravastatin by erythromycin.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
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 Pravastatin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Pravastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin and Pravastatin 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 may modestly raise pravastatin exposure, possibly increasing the risk of myopathy. Pravastatin is not significantly metabolized by CYP3A4, so the effect is smaller than with other statins.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Pravastatin?
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 usually needed. Advise patients to report unexplained muscle pain or weakness.
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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