Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Zaleplon
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin lactobionate and Zaleplon: 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 inhibits CYP3A4, which is a minor metabolic pathway for zaleplon, so zaleplon exposure rises modestly. The result may be stronger or longer sedation and psychomotor impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Zaleplon 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 lactobionate belongs to Anti Bacterial; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 reduces zaleplon metabolism, which otherwise occurs mainly through aldehyde oxidase.
What to do
Monitor for increased sedation and counsel the patient on next-day impairment. Consider a lower zaleplon dose if effects are excessive.
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 Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon 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 Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin lactobionate and Zaleplon 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 inhibits CYP3A4, which is a minor metabolic pathway for zaleplon, so zaleplon exposure rises modestly. The result may be stronger or longer sedation and psychomotor impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for increased sedation and counsel the patient on next-day impairment. Consider a lower zaleplon dose if effects are excessive.
What other medicines interact with Zaleplon?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zaleplon with, for example, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Sodium oxybate, Brexanolone. The full list is on the Zaleplon page.
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