Drug interactions
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Lapatinib
Severity: Major
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Lapatinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: Base de donnees publique des medicaments (France)
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 CYP3A4 and can increase lapatinib exposure, with risk of hepatotoxicity, diarrhea and QT prolongation. Both drugs prolong QT, adding arrhythmic risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Lapatinib 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 CYP3A4 metabolism of lapatinib, with additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Use a non-macrolide antibiotic. If unavoidable, reduce the lapatinib dose and monitor ECG, electrolytes and liver tests.
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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References
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin ethylsuccinate with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Lapatinib 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can increase lapatinib exposure, with risk of hepatotoxicity, diarrhea and QT prolongation. Both drugs prolong QT, adding arrhythmic risk.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Lapatinib?
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 a non-macrolide antibiotic. If unavoidable, reduce the lapatinib dose and monitor ECG, electrolytes and liver tests.
What other medicines interact with Lapatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lapatinib with, for example, Dofetilide, Ibutilide, Pimozide. The full list is on the Lapatinib page.
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