Drug interactions
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate + Primaquine
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Primaquine: 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 is a well-recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and primaquine may add to this effect. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Primaquine 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
Additive effects on ventricular repolarization, mainly through hERG potassium channel blockade by erythromycin.
What to do
Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. Otherwise monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin ethylsuccinate with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Primaquine 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 is a well-recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and primaquine may add to this effect. Risk is higher with electrolyte disturbances or cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin ethylsuccinate and Primaquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic if possible. Otherwise monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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