Drug interactions
Erythromycin lactobionate + Ziprasidone
Severity: Major
Erythromycin lactobionate and Ziprasidone: 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 prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes, and the effect is greater with IV dosing. With ziprasidone, the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia is raised.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin lactobionate and Ziprasidone 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; Ziprasidone belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive hERG channel blockade causing QT prolongation; erythromycin's CYP3A4 inhibition may modestly raise ziprasidone levels.
What to do
Prefer a non-macrolide antibiotic with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, check ECG and electrolytes before and during treatment.
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 Ziprasidone
- Amiodarone + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Amitriptyline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Arsenic trioxide + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Chloroquine + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Citalopram + Ziprasidone 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 Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin lactobionate and Ziprasidone 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 prolongs the QT interval and has been linked to torsades de pointes, and the effect is greater with IV dosing. With ziprasidone, the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmia is raised.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin lactobionate and Ziprasidone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-macrolide antibiotic with less QT effect. If it is unavoidable, check ECG and electrolytes before and during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Ziprasidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ziprasidone with, for example, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Ziprasidone page.
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