Drug interactions
Erythromycin base + Vitamin k1
Severity: Minor
Erythromycin base and Vitamin k1: 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
Oral erythromycin may reduce gut bacteria that produce vitamin K2, which could slightly lower vitamin K status. In patients with a normal diet this is rarely clinically important, and phytonadione itself is dietary vitamin K1.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin base and Vitamin k1 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
Antibiotic suppression of intestinal flora may decrease bacterial menaquinone production.
What to do
No routine action is needed; monitor INR or bleeding if the patient is malnourished, on prolonged antibiotics or on warfarin.
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 Vitamin k1
- Vitamin k1 + Warfarin Major
- Cholestyramine + Vitamin k1 Moderate
- Colestipol + Vitamin k1 Moderate
- Ketorolac intranasal + Vitamin k1 Moderate
- Mineral oil + Vitamin k1 Moderate
- Orlistat + Vitamin k1 Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin base with Vitamin k1?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Erythromycin base and Vitamin k1 have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Oral erythromycin may reduce gut bacteria that produce vitamin K2, which could slightly lower vitamin K status. In patients with a normal diet this is rarely clinically important, and phytonadione itself is dietary vitamin K1.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin base and Vitamin k1?
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 action is needed; monitor INR or bleeding if the patient is malnourished, on prolonged antibiotics or on warfarin.
What other medicines interact with Vitamin k1?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vitamin k1 with, for example, Warfarin, Cholestyramine, Colestipol. The full list is on the Vitamin k1 page.
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