Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Valproic acid
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin base and Valproic acid: 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 has been reported to raise valproate concentrations, occasionally causing toxicity such as sedation or confusion. Reports are limited but the effect can be clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Valproic acid 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 may inhibit valproate metabolism; mechanism is not fully defined.
What to do
Monitor for valproate toxicity and check serum levels, reducing the dose if levels rise. Consider an alternative antibiotic if feasible.
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 Valproic acid
- Ertapenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Imipenem / cilastatin + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem / vaborbactam + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Valproic acid Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Valproic acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin base and Valproic acid 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 has been reported to raise valproate concentrations, occasionally causing toxicity such as sedation or confusion. Reports are limited but the effect can be clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Valproic acid?
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 valproate toxicity and check serum levels, reducing the dose if levels rise. Consider an alternative antibiotic if feasible.
What other medicines interact with Valproic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Valproic acid with, for example, Ertapenem, Imipenem / cilastatin / relebactam, Imipenem / cilastatin. The full list is on the Valproic acid page.
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