Drug interactions
Erythromycin stearate + Trazodone
Severity: Major
Erythromycin stearate and Trazodone: 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
Erythromycin prolongs the QT interval and inhibits CYP3A4, which can increase trazodone concentrations. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Erythromycin stearate and Trazodone 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.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, plus erythromycin inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated trazodone metabolism.
What to do
Choose a non-macrolide antibiotic when feasible. If used together, check a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor QTc and for trazodone adverse effects.
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 Trazodone
- Arsenic trioxide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Trazodone Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Trazodone Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Erythromycin stearate with Trazodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Erythromycin stearate and Trazodone 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 prolongs the QT interval and inhibits CYP3A4, which can increase trazodone concentrations. The combination raises the risk of serious ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.
How serious is the interaction between Erythromycin stearate and Trazodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose a non-macrolide antibiotic when feasible. If used together, check a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes, and monitor QTc and for trazodone adverse effects.
What other medicines interact with Trazodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Trazodone with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Ibutilide, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Trazodone page.
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