Drug Interactions between diltiazem and erythromycin
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
- diltiazem
- erythromycin
Interactions between your drugs
dilTIAZem erythromycin
Applies to: diltiazem and erythromycin
Using erythromycin together with dilTIAZem can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Drug and food interactions
dilTIAZem food
Applies to: diltiazem
Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and add to the effects of dilTIAZem. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat if you drink alcohol with dilTIAZem, especially when you first start taking the medication or just after a dose increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase the effects of dilTIAZem in some people by increasing its levels in the blood. You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with dilTIAZem. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with dilTIAZem, do not alter the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects of dilTIAZem such as headache, irregular heartbeat, swelling, unexplained weight gain, or chest pain. Orange juice is not expected to interact.
erythromycin food
Applies to: erythromycin
Food decreases the levels of erythromycin in your body. Take erythromycin on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. This will make it easier for your body to absorb the medication. However, some erythromycin products may be taken without regard to meals. Ask your healthcare provider about your particular prescription if you are uncertain of how to take it. Grapefruits and grapefruit juice may increase erythromycin levels but how this may affect you is not known. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor.
dilTIAZem food
Applies to: diltiazem
Using dilTIAZem together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of dilTIAZem. Talk with your doctor before using dilTIAZem and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
erythromycin food
Applies to: erythromycin
Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.
Therapeutic duplication warnings
No warnings were found for your selected drugs.
Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.
See also
Drug Interaction Classification
Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Check Interactions
To view an interaction report containing 4 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account.
Save Interactions List
Sign in to your account to save this drug interaction list.