Drug interactions
Erythromycin + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin and Zaleplon: 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 increases zaleplon exposure, with a reported rise in peak concentration and AUC. This may enhance sedation and psychomotor impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin and Zaleplon 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; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by erythromycin reduces zaleplon metabolism (secondary to aldehyde oxidase).
What to do
Use the lowest zaleplon dose and counsel about next-day drowsiness and impaired driving. Consider dose reduction in elderly patients.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin and Zaleplon 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 increases zaleplon exposure, with a reported rise in peak concentration and AUC. This may enhance sedation and psychomotor impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest zaleplon dose and counsel about next-day drowsiness and impaired driving. Consider dose reduction in elderly patients.
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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