Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Levofloxacin
Severity: Major
Erythromycin lactobionate and Levofloxacin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: EMA SmPC
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
Intravenous erythromycin and levofloxacin both prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Intravenous dosing gives high peak concentrations, and the risk rises with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Levofloxacin 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 lactobionate belongs to Anti Bacterial; Levofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade delaying cardiac repolarization.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If both are needed, check an ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
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 Levofloxacin
- Dronedarone + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Levofloxacin Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Levofloxacin + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Levofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Erythromycin lactobionate
- Cisapride + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Dihydroergotamine + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Ergotamine + Erythromycin lactobionate Contraindicated
- Erythromycin lactobionate + Flibanserin Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin lactobionate with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin lactobionate and Levofloxacin 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. Intravenous erythromycin and levofloxacin both prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Intravenous dosing gives high peak concentrations, and the risk rises with electrolyte disturbance or heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Levofloxacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative exists. If both are needed, check an ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
What other medicines interact with Levofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Levofloxacin with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Levofloxacin page.
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