Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Nilotinib
Severity: Major
Erythromycin lactobionate and Nilotinib: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and raises nilotinib levels, while both drugs prolong the QT interval. Together this markedly increases the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Nilotinib 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; Nilotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition raises nilotinib exposure, combined with additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid and choose a non-macrolide antibiotic without CYP3A4 inhibition or QT effects. If unavoidable, consider holding nilotinib during therapy and monitor ECG and electrolytes.
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 Nilotinib
- Amiodarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Disopyramide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Droperidol + Nilotinib Contraindicated
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 Nilotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin lactobionate and Nilotinib 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and raises nilotinib levels, while both drugs prolong the QT interval. Together this markedly increases the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden death.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Nilotinib?
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 and choose a non-macrolide antibiotic without CYP3A4 inhibition or QT effects. If unavoidable, consider holding nilotinib during therapy and monitor ECG and electrolytes.
What other medicines interact with Nilotinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Nilotinib with, for example, Amiodarone, Arsenic trioxide, Disopyramide. The full list is on the Nilotinib page.
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