Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Tipranavir
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Tipranavir: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 agents interact through CYP3A4, and tipranavir given with ritonavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4 while also affecting P-gp. Erythromycin concentrations may rise, and tipranavir exposure may also increase, raising the risk of QT prolongation and other toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Tipranavir 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; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Competition for and inhibition of CYP3A4 (and P-gp) metabolism, raising levels of both drugs.
What to do
Prefer a non-macrolide antibiotic. If the combination is necessary, monitor ECG and for adverse effects of both drugs, including hepatic function.
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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References
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 Tipranavir
- Alfuzosin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Tipranavir 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 agents interact through CYP3A4, and tipranavir given with ritonavir strongly inhibits CYP3A4 while also affecting P-gp. Erythromycin concentrations may rise, and tipranavir exposure may also increase, raising the risk of QT prolongation and other toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-macrolide antibiotic. If the combination is necessary, monitor ECG and for adverse effects of both drugs, including hepatic function.
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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