Skip to main content

Interactions between Estradiol topical and Robimycin

1 drug interaction and 32 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

Add/remove drugs

Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

erythromycin estradiol topical

Applies to: Robimycin (erythromycin) and estradiol topical
Monitor

Coadministration of chloramphenicol, dalfopristin, erythromycin, or fusidic acid may increase the plasma concentrations of drugs that are substrates of the CYP450 3A4 isoenzyme, by reducing their clearance, as these antibiotics are moderate inhibitors of this isoenzyme. Many estrogen and progestin type medications are CYP450 3A4 substrates. These medications are used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, contraception, acne treatment, hormone replacement therapy, and appetite stimulation. When telithromycin, a potent CYP450 3A4 inhibitor, was co-administered with oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel, studies showed that the systemic concentration (AUC) of ethinyl estradiol did not change and the AUC of levonorgestrel increased by 50%. The study showed that telithromycin did not interfere with the anti-ovulatory effect of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel.

Management

Caution is advised if chloramphenicol, dalfopristin, erythromycin, or fusidic acid must be used concurrently with medications that undergo metabolism by CYP450 3A4. Patients should be monitored for increased adverse effects from the hormonal treatment if it must be co-administered with one of these antibiotics. Some serious side effects associated with hormonal treatment include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular disease (e.g., venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and stroke); breast cancer; loss of bone mineral density; changes in mood; cholestatic jaundice; and dementia. Some of these side effects are affected by other factors such as medication dosage, concurrent medications, age, smoking status, and other disease states. If concurrent therapy with any of these antibiotics is necessary, please refer to the product labeling for more specific adverse effects to monitor for and counsel the patient and/or the patient's caregiver on the risks and benefits of concurrent therapy.

Monitor

Estrogenic steroids, but not progestins, undergo enterohepatic cycling. It is possible that antimicrobials may interfere with the enterohepatic recirculation of estrogens by decreasing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract that are responsible for regenerating parent estrogen molecules following first-pass metabolism. Most of the research regarding this possible interaction has been done with oral contraceptives; however, all estrogens appear to undergo enterohepatic recirculation so theoretically this interaction is a possibility with estrogen containing medications that are being used for alternative purposes. The risk appears to be small, and supportive data are primarily limited to anecdotal evidence from case reports and findings from uncontrolled or poorly controlled studies. Most antimicrobials, except for enzyme inducing medications like the rifamycins and possibly griseofulvin, have not been shown to significantly increase the clearance of estrogens present in combined hormonal contraceptives. It is possible that a small number of women may be more sensitive to the effects of antimicrobials on estrogen disposition in vivo, but risk factors or genetic predispositions have yet to be identified.

Management

If a person is using estrogen for a purpose other than contraception, it is important to note that there is a theoretical possibility of lower levels of systemic estrogen available during treatment with an antibiotic due to interference with enterohepatic cycling. These patients should be counseled to report any changes in efficacy of the hormonal product to their healthcare provider. In the case of contraception specifically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not consider most broad-spectrum antibiotics to significantly interfere with the effectiveness of combined hormonal contraception. However, the manufacturers of certain combined hormonal contraceptives and/or certain antibiotics do recommend using a back-up method of birth control for varying amounts of time; therefore, consulting the product labeling of each medication involved is advised. Some illnesses, as well as some antibiotics, may cause nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If the patient vomits within a few hours of taking an oral contraceptive pill, consult the product labeling for instructions on what to do in the event of a missed pill. Some authorities recommend a back-up method of birth control if an individual has persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

References (25)
  1. (2022) "Product Information. Ery-Tab (erythromycin)." Abbott Pharmaceutical
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Premarin (conjugated estrogens)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Ortho-Est (estropipate)." Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Yasmin (drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol)." Berlex Laboratories
  5. (2005) "Product Information. Angeliq (drospirenone-estradiol)." Berlex Laboratories
  6. Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (2016) "FSRH Clinical Guidance: Drug Interactions with Hormonal Contraception. file:///C:/Users/df033684/Downloads/ceuguidancedruginteractionshormonal.pdf"
  7. Curtis KM, Tepper NK, Jatlaoui TC, et al. (2023) U.S. medical eligibility criteria (US MEC) for contraceptive use. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/mmwr/mec/index.html
  8. Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (2023) FSRH CEU response to study: analysis of reports of unintended pregnancies associated with the combined use of non-enzyme inducing antibiotics and hormonal contraceptives - february 2021 https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/fsrh-ceu-respo
  9. Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (2023) FSRH CEU guidance: drug interactions with hormonal contraception (may 2022) https://www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ceu-clinical-guidance-drug-interactions-with-hormonal/
  10. Simmons KB, Haddad LB, Nanda K, Curtis KM (2018) "Drug interactions between non-rifamycin antibiotics and hormonal contraception: a systemic review." Am J Obstet Gynecol, 218, 88-97.e14
  11. Zhanel GG, Siemens S, Slayter K, Mandell L (1999) "Antibiotic and oral contraceptive drug interactions: is there a need for concern?" Can J Infect Dis, 10, p. 429-33
  12. Black A, Francoeur D, Rowe T, et al. (2023) SOGC clinical practice guidelines canadian contraception consensus https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(16)30260-2/pdf
  13. Allen K (2012) "Contraception - common issues and practical suggestions." Aust Fam Physician, 41, p. 770-2
  14. (2023) "Product Information. Erythromycin Lactobionate (erythromycin)." Nexus Pharmaceuticals Inc
  15. (2023) "Product Information. Erythromycin Ethylsuccinate (erythromycin)." Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc
  16. (2018) "Product Information. Erythro-Base (erythromycin)." AA Pharma Inc
  17. (2019) "Product Information. Erythro-S (erythromycin)." AA Pharma Inc
  18. (2020) "Product Information. Erythrocin Lactobionate (erythromycin)." Amdipharm Limted
  19. (2023) "Product Information. ERYthromycin (Mayne Pharma) (ERYthromycin)." Mayne Pharma International Pty Ltd, 5.0
  20. (2023) "Product Information. Erythromycin (erythromycin)." Strides Pharma UK Ltd
  21. (2023) "Product Information. Erythromycin Lactobionate (erythromycin)." Advanz Pharma
  22. (2016) "Product Information. Chloramphenicol Sodium Succinate (chloramphenicol)." Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC
  23. (2022) "Product Information. Chloromycetin (chloramphenicol)." Pfizer Canada ULC
  24. (2015) "Product Information. Chloromycetin Succinate (chloramphenicol)." Link Medical Products Pty Ltd T/A Link Pharmaceuticals
  25. (2023) "Product Information. Chloramphenicol (chloramphenicol)." Eramol (UK) Ltd

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

erythromycin Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Robimycin (erythromycin)
Adjust dosing interval

Food may variably affect the bioavailability of different oral formulations and salt forms of erythromycin. The individual product package labeling should be consulted regarding the appropriate time of administration in relation to food ingestion. Grapefruit juice may increase the plasma concentrations of orally administered erythromycin. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4-mediated first-pass metabolism in the gut wall by certain compounds present in grapefruits. In an open-label, crossover study consisting of six healthy subjects, the coadministration with double-strength grapefruit juice increased the mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of a single dose of erythromycin (400 mg) by 52% and 49%, respectively, compared to water. The half-life was not affected. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown.

Management

In general, optimal serum levels are achieved when erythromycin is taken in the fasting state, one-half to two hours before meals. However, some erythromycin products may be taken without regard to meals.

References (7)
  1. Welling PG, Huang H, Hewitt PF, Lyons LL (1978) "Bioavailability of erythromycin stearate: influence of food and fluid volume." J Pharm Sci, 67, p. 764-6
  2. Welling PG, Elliott RL, Pitterle ME, et al. (1979) "Plasma levels following single and repeated doses of erythromycin estolate and erythromycin stearate." J Pharm Sci, 68, p. 150-5
  3. Welling PG (1977) "Influence of food and diet on gastrointestinal drug absorption: a review." J Pharmacokinet Biopharm, 5, p. 291-334
  4. Coyne TC, Shum S, Chun AH, Jeansonne L, Shirkey HC (1978) "Bioavailability of erythromycin ethylsuccinate in pediatric patients." J Clin Pharmacol, 18, p. 194-202
  5. Malmborg AS (1979) "Effect of food on absorption of erythromycin. A study of two derivatives, the stearate and the base." J Antimicrob Chemother, 5, p. 591-9
  6. Randinitis EJ, Sedman AJ, Welling PG, Kinkel AW (1989) "Effect of a high-fat meal on the bioavailability of a polymer-coated erythromycin particle tablet formulation." J Clin Pharmacol, 29, p. 79-84
  7. Kanazawa S, Ohkubo T, Sugawara K (2001) "The effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of erythromycin." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 56, p. 799-803

Minor food/lifestyle interactions

Minor:

erythromycin Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: Robimycin (erythromycin)

Ethanol, when combined with erythromycin, may delay absorption and therefore the clinical effects of the antibiotic. The mechanism appears to be due to slowed gastric emptying by ethanol. Data is available only for erythromycin ethylsuccinate. Patients should be advised to avoid ethanol while taking erythromycin salts.

References (1)
  1. Morasso MI, Chavez J, Gai MN, Arancibia A (1990) "Influence of alcohol consumption on erythromycin ethylsuccinate kinetics." Int J Clin Pharmacol, 28, p. 426-9

Disease interactions

30 potential interactions Applies to: 28 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Migraine, Heart Failure, and Asthma.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (greater than 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

Angioedema

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Angioedema.

The use of exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, particularly in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider the risk versus benefits of estrogen therapy. Close monitoring is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients predisposed to angioedema.

Arrhythmia

Moderate:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Macrolides have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Clarithromycin and erythromycin should be avoided in: patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes; patients with proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, or receiving other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Asthma

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Asthma.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Biliary Obstruction

Major:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a major potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

The use of oral erythromycin, especially erythromycin estolate and erythromycin ethylsuccinate, has been associated with occasional cases of hepatic dysfunction, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis. Therapy with oral erythromycin should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Additionally, erythromycin is primarily excreted by the liver into the bile. The effect of liver and/or biliary disease on erythromycin clearance is unknown. Empiric dosage adjustments may be appropriate in patients with impaired hepatic or biliary function.

Breast Cancer

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

When treated with an estrogen, patients with breast cancer and bone metastases may develop severe hypercalcemia, in which case the drug should be stopped and measures be taken to reduce serum calcium levels.

Cerebral Vascular Disorder

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Caution and close monitoring are recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.

Fluid Retention

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Fluid Retention.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Gallbladder Disease

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

A two- to four-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal estrogen therapy. The risk for gallbladder disease may be less for premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing low-dose estrogens and/or progestins. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease or a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis.

Heart Failure

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

The risk of myocardial infarction and strokes, including those associated with oral contraceptive use and some estrogen use, is increased in patients with hypertension. Moreover, estrogens (and progestogens) may elevate blood pressure and worsen the hypertension, thus compounding the risk. Clinically significant blood pressure increases have been reported during estrogen therapy, particularly in patients receiving high dosages or treated with oral contraceptive combinations having high progestational activity. These effects also increase with duration of therapy and patient age. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Some estrogen-based therapies, such as combined hormonal contraceptives, may be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status, and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy withdrawn as necessary. In patients requiring contraception, alternative methods should be considered for those who are hypertensive, over age 35, and smoke.

High Cholesterol

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with High Cholesterol.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with History, Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

Hypokalemia

Moderate:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a moderate potential interaction with Hypokalemia.

Macrolides have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Clarithromycin and erythromycin should be avoided in: patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes; patients with proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, or receiving other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

Liver Disease

Major:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

The use of oral erythromycin, especially erythromycin estolate and erythromycin ethylsuccinate, has been associated with occasional cases of hepatic dysfunction, including elevated liver enzymes and hepatocellular and/or cholestatic hepatitis. Therapy with oral erythromycin should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease. Additionally, erythromycin is primarily excreted by the liver into the bile. The effect of liver and/or biliary disease on erythromycin clearance is unknown. Empiric dosage adjustments may be appropriate in patients with impaired hepatic or biliary function.

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Estrogens are primarily metabolized by the liver. Use of estrogen therapy is contraindicated in patients with liver dysfunction or disease. Patients with impaired hepatic function may be at increased risk for adverse effects associated with estrogen administration due to decreased drug clearance. Patients with hepatic hemangiomas are at increased risk of exacerbation with use of estrogens. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy. In addition, clinicians should be aware that estrogen therapy may affect liver function tests.

Magnesium Imbalance

Moderate:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a moderate potential interaction with Magnesium Imbalance.

Macrolides have been associated with prolongation of the QT interval and infrequent cases of arrhythmia. Clarithromycin and erythromycin should be avoided in: patients with known prolongation of the QT interval, ventricular cardiac arrhythmia, including torsades de pointes; patients with proarrhythmic conditions such as uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, clinically significant bradycardia, or receiving other drugs that prolong the QT interval.

Migraine

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Migraine.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Migraine.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Myasthenia Gravis

Moderate:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a moderate potential interaction with Myasthenia Gravis.

The use of macrolide antibiotics has been reported to exacerbate symptoms of myasthenia gravis and trigger new onset of symptoms of myasthenic syndrome. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of myasthenia gravis.

Neoplasia, Estrogen Dependent

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Neoplasia, Estrogen Dependent.

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

Noninfectious Colitis

Major:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.

Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.

Pancreatitis

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy

Major:

Robimycin

The erythromycin in Robimycin has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.

Parenteral medications formulated in multidose vials often contain benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Their use is considered by drug manufacturers to be contraindicated in neonates, particularly premature infants and infants of low birth weight. When used in bacteriostatic saline intravascular flush and endotracheal tube lavage solutions, benzyl alcohol has been associated with fatalities and severe respiratory and metabolic complications in low-birth-weight premature infants. Thus, single-dose formulations should always be used in infants whenever possible. However, many experts feel that, in the absence of benzyl alcohol-free equivalents, the amount of the preservative present in these formulations should not necessarily preclude their use if they are clearly indicated. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers benzyl alcohol in low doses (such as when used as a preservative in some medications) to be safe for newborns. However, the administration of high dosages of these medications must take into account the total amount of benzyl alcohol administered. The level at which toxicity may occur is unknown.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Seizures

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder

Major:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a major potential interaction with Thrombotic/Thromboembolic Disorder.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

Thyroid Disease

Moderate:

estradiol topical

Estradiol topical has a moderate potential interaction with Thyroid Disease.

When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone and appropriate monitoring. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.

More resources

estradiol topical

A total of 277 drugs are known to interact with estradiol topical.

Robimycin

A total of 714 drugs are known to interact with Robimycin.

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.