Drug interactions
Erythromycin stearate + Imatinib
Severity: Moderate
Erythromycin stearate and Imatinib: 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 is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise imatinib plasma concentrations. Higher exposure may increase imatinib adverse effects such as fluid retention, myelosuppression, nausea and hepatotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin stearate and Imatinib 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.
Why it happens
Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of imatinib and may also inhibit P-glycoprotein efflux.
What to do
Monitor for imatinib toxicity and consider reducing the imatinib dose, or choose a non-inhibiting antibiotic such as azithromycin where appropriate.
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 Imatinib
- Imatinib + Lomitapide Contraindicated
- Imatinib + Lonafarnib Contraindicated
- Amobarbital + Imatinib Major
- Apalutamide + Imatinib Major
- Avapritinib + Imatinib Major
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Imatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin stearate with Imatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Erythromycin stearate and Imatinib 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 is a CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise imatinib plasma concentrations. Higher exposure may increase imatinib adverse effects such as fluid retention, myelosuppression, nausea and hepatotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin stearate and Imatinib?
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 imatinib toxicity and consider reducing the imatinib dose, or choose a non-inhibiting antibiotic such as azithromycin where appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Imatinib?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Imatinib with, for example, Lomitapide, Lonafarnib, Amobarbital. The full list is on the Imatinib page.
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