Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin base and Umeclidinium-vilanterol: 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 can prolong the QT interval, and it also inhibits CYP3A4, which may raise vilanterol exposure. Higher vilanterol levels together with QT prolongation may increase palpitations, tachycardia and arrhythmia risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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
CYP3A4 inhibition raising vilanterol exposure, with additive QT and beta-adrenergic cardiac effects.
What to do
Monitor for tachycardia, palpitations and QT changes, and check potassium in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if concern persists, though it also affects QT.
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 Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin base and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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 can prolong the QT interval, and it also inhibits CYP3A4, which may raise vilanterol exposure. Higher vilanterol levels together with QT prolongation may increase palpitations, tachycardia and arrhythmia risk.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for tachycardia, palpitations and QT changes, and check potassium in patients with cardiac risk factors. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if concern persists, though it also affects QT.
What other medicines interact with Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Umeclidinium-vilanterol with, for example, Aclidinium, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Umeclidinium-vilanterol page.
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