Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Pitavastatin
Severity: Major
Erythromycin base and Pitavastatin: 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
Erythromycin raises pitavastatin exposure substantially, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Labeling advises dose limitation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Pitavastatin 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.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits OATP1B1-mediated hepatic uptake of pitavastatin, increasing plasma concentrations.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible, or temporarily hold pitavastatin. If combined, keep pitavastatin at or below 1 mg daily and monitor for muscle symptoms.
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 Pitavastatin
- Cyclosporine + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Pitavastatin Contraindicated
- Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin stearate + Pitavastatin Major
- Erythromycin + Pitavastatin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin base and Pitavastatin 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 raises pitavastatin exposure substantially, increasing the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Labeling advises dose limitation.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Pitavastatin?
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 such as azithromycin when possible, or temporarily hold pitavastatin. If combined, keep pitavastatin at or below 1 mg daily and monitor for muscle symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Pitavastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Pitavastatin with, for example, Cyclosporine, Cyclosporin, Erythromycin ethylsuccinate. The full list is on the Pitavastatin page.
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