Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Topotecan
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Topotecan: 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 inhibit P-glycoprotein and raise topotecan exposure, particularly oral topotecan, which relies on intestinal efflux. This could increase myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Topotecan 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; Topotecan belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein efflux increases topotecan absorption and reduces its clearance.
What to do
Avoid P-gp inhibitors with oral topotecan where possible. With IV topotecan, monitor blood counts closely.
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 Topotecan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Topotecan Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Topotecan Major
- Cisplatin + Topotecan Major
- Cobicistat + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporin + Topotecan Major
- Darunavir + Topotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Topotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Topotecan 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 inhibit P-glycoprotein and raise topotecan exposure, particularly oral topotecan, which relies on intestinal efflux. This could increase myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Topotecan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid P-gp inhibitors with oral topotecan where possible. With IV topotecan, monitor blood counts closely.
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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