Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Sertraline
Severity: Major
Erythromycin lactobionate and Sertraline: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 is a recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sertraline has a smaller QT effect. Combining them increases arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte abnormalities or structural heart disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Sertraline 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; Sertraline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization; erythromycin also weakly inhibits CYP3A4, which may raise sertraline levels.
What to do
Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic alternative. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor 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 Sertraline
- Isocarboxazid + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline transdermal + Sertraline Contraindicated
- Selegiline + Sertraline 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 Sertraline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin lactobionate and Sertraline 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 is a recognized cause of QT prolongation and torsades de pointes, and sertraline has a smaller QT effect. Combining them increases arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte abnormalities or structural heart disease.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Sertraline?
MediHelp rates it major, 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 alternative. If combined, obtain a baseline ECG, correct potassium and magnesium, and monitor QTc.
What other medicines interact with Sertraline?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sertraline with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Methylene blue, Phenelzine. The full list is on the Sertraline page.
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