Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Topotecan
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin base and Topotecan: 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 inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase topotecan exposure, especially with oral topotecan. Greater exposure could intensify myelosuppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Topotecan 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 P-gp-mediated efflux of topotecan.
What to do
Avoid with oral topotecan or choose a non-P-gp-inhibiting antibiotic such as a non-macrolide alternative. With IV topotecan, monitor blood counts.
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 Topotecan
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Topotecan Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Topotecan Major
- Cisplatin + Topotecan Major
- Cobicistat + Topotecan Major
- Cyclosporin + Topotecan Major
- Darunavir + Topotecan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Topotecan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin base and Topotecan 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 inhibits P-glycoprotein and may increase topotecan exposure, especially with oral topotecan. Greater exposure could intensify myelosuppression.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Topotecan?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid with oral topotecan or choose a non-P-gp-inhibiting antibiotic such as a non-macrolide alternative. With IV topotecan, monitor blood counts.
What other medicines interact with Topotecan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Topotecan with, for example, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live, Amiodarone, Cisplatin. The full list is on the Topotecan page.
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