Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Simvastatin
Severity: Contraindicated
Erythromycin lactobionate and Simvastatin: contraindicated 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 inhibits simvastatin metabolism, which can lead to high statin levels and rhabdomyolysis. The pair is contraindicated.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Simvastatin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Erythromycin lactobionate belongs to Anti Bacterial; Simvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4, and possibly OATP1B1, reducing the clearance of simvastatin.
What to do
Hold simvastatin while erythromycin is given, or use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin; check CK if muscle symptoms occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
Other interactions of Simvastatin
- Atazanavir + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Danazol + Simvastatin Contraindicated
- Darunavir + Simvastatin 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 Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Erythromycin lactobionate and Simvastatin are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Intravenous erythromycin inhibits simvastatin metabolism, which can lead to high statin levels and rhabdomyolysis. The pair is contraindicated.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Simvastatin?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Hold simvastatin while erythromycin is given, or use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin; check CK if muscle symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Simvastatin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Simvastatin with, for example, Atazanavir, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat. The full list is on the Simvastatin page.
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