Drug Interactions between erythromycin and methadone
This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:
- erythromycin
- methadone
Interactions between your drugs
erythromycin methadone
Applies to: erythromycin and methadone
Using methadone together with erythromycin 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 already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. 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
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.
methadone food
Applies to: methadone
Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels and effects of methadone. If you regularly consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice, you should be monitored for side effects and/or changes in methadone levels. Do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. Orange juice is not expected to interact.
methadone food
Applies to: methadone
Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with methadone. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. With certain long-acting formulations of narcotic pain medication, consumption of alcohol may also cause rapid release of the drug, resulting in high blood levels that may be potentially lethal. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. Do not use more than the recommended dose of methadone, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication 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.
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