Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Liposomal doxorubicin
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin base and Liposomal doxorubicin: 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 raise exposure to doxorubicin, which is partly cleared by CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Higher levels could increase myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. The effect with the liposomal form is less well characterized.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Liposomal doxorubicin 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.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing doxorubicin metabolism and efflux.
What to do
Where possible choose an antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP3A4 or P-gp, such as azithromycin. If combined, monitor blood counts, mucositis and cardiac function 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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Erythromycin base and Liposomal doxorubicin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Liposomal doxorubicin
- Dengue vaccine + Liposomal doxorubicin Contraindicated
- Belatacept + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Cyclosporine + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Dronedarone + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
- Fingolimod + Liposomal doxorubicin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Liposomal doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin base and Liposomal doxorubicin 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 raise exposure to doxorubicin, which is partly cleared by CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Higher levels could increase myelosuppression, mucositis and cardiotoxicity. The effect with the liposomal form is less well characterized.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Liposomal doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where possible choose an antibiotic that does not inhibit CYP3A4 or P-gp, such as azithromycin. If combined, monitor blood counts, mucositis and cardiac function closely.
What other medicines interact with Liposomal doxorubicin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Liposomal doxorubicin with, for example, Dengue vaccine, Belatacept, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Liposomal doxorubicin page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
