Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Vardenafil
Severity: Major
Erythromycin and Vardenafil: 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
Erythromycin increases vardenafil levels and may cause marked hypotension, and vardenafil itself can prolong the QT interval, so the combination can be more hazardous than either alone.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Vardenafil 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; Vardenafil belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin reduces vardenafil clearance, with additive QT effects.
What to do
Limit vardenafil to the labeled reduced dose (not more than 5 mg in 24 hours) and monitor blood pressure and ECG where QT risk exists.
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 Vardenafil
- Amyl nitrite + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Glyceryl trinitrate pr + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide dinitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Isosorbide mononitrate + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nicorandil + Vardenafil Contraindicated
- Nitroglycerin po + Vardenafil Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin and Vardenafil 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 increases vardenafil levels and may cause marked hypotension, and vardenafil itself can prolong the QT interval, so the combination can be more hazardous than either alone.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Vardenafil?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit vardenafil to the labeled reduced dose (not more than 5 mg in 24 hours) and monitor blood pressure and ECG where QT risk exists.
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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