Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Trimipramine
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Trimipramine: 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 agents can prolong the QT interval, and erythromycin may reduce trimipramine clearance. This raises the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity such as sedation and anticholinergic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Trimipramine 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; Trimipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and erythromycin inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated tricyclic metabolism.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic if possible. Otherwise obtain an ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for tricyclic toxicity.
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 Trimipramine
- Disopyramide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Pentamidine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trimipramine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Trimipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Trimipramine 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 can prolong the QT interval, and erythromycin may reduce trimipramine clearance. This raises the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity such as sedation and anticholinergic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Trimipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic if possible. Otherwise obtain an ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor for tricyclic toxicity.
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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