Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin base and Metformin-pioglitazone: minor 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
Pioglitazone is partly metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C8, with CYP2C8 the main pathway. Erythromycin is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may modestly raise pioglitazone exposure, but the effect is likely small clinically.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of pioglitazone by erythromycin.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor for edema and hypoglycemia during prolonged combined use.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin base and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Pioglitazone is partly metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C8, with CYP2C8 the main pathway. Erythromycin is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and may modestly raise pioglitazone exposure, but the effect is likely small clinically.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; monitor for edema and hypoglycemia during prolonged combined use.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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