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Drug Interactions between erythromycin and lovastatin

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

erythromycin lovastatin

Applies to: erythromycin and lovastatin

Using erythromycin together with lovastatin is not recommended. Combining these medications may significantly increase the blood levels of lovastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications, or your doctor may prescribe alternative medications that do not interact. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment with lovastatin or similar medications, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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.

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Drug and food interactions

Major

lovastatin food

Applies to: lovastatin

Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels of lovastatin. This can increase the risk of side effects such as liver damage and a rare but serious condition called rhabdomyolysis that involves the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and even death. You should avoid the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with lovastatin. Drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts may also increase the blood levels of lovastatin in some patients. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. It may be advisable to avoid excessive consumption of green tea and green tea products while on lovastatin. Let your doctor know immediately if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness during treatment, especially if these symptoms are accompanied by fever or dark colored urine. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. 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.

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Moderate

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.

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Moderate

lovastatin food

Applies to: lovastatin

Lovastatin may cause liver problems and using it with substantial quantities of ethanol (alcohol) may increase that risk. You should limit the use of alcohol while being treated with these medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have fever, chills, joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, and/or yellowing of the skin or eyes, as these may be signs and symptoms of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 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.

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Minor

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.


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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor 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.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.