Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Roflumilast
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Roflumilast: 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
Erythromycin may increase systemic exposure to roflumilast, which is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. Higher exposure could increase adverse effects such as diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, psychiatric effects and headache.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Roflumilast 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.
Erythromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Roflumilast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin decreases roflumilast metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for roflumilast adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, insomnia and mood changes during co-therapy. Consider an alternative antibiotic if effects occur.
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
Other interactions of Roflumilast
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Roflumilast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Roflumilast 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. Erythromycin may increase systemic exposure to roflumilast, which is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. Higher exposure could increase adverse effects such as diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, psychiatric effects and headache.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Roflumilast?
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 for roflumilast adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset, weight loss, insomnia and mood changes during co-therapy. Consider an alternative antibiotic if effects 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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