Erythromycin for chest infection: possible interaction?

[therooster]

My doctor just prescribed me erythromycin for a chest infection.

Every now and then I take propranolol for anxiety (40mg a day max).

I am concerned about potential negative interactions, because I found this information online: "The concurrent use of erythromycin and strong inhibitors of CYP3A should be avoided", and "Because erythromycin is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P-450 3A (CYP3A) isozymes, commonly used medications that inhibit the effects of CYP3A may increase plasma erythromycin concentrations, thereby increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death."

Apparently I found out that propranolol is a CYP3A inhibitor.

I asked the doctor and pharmacist about potential interactions and neither of them mentioned a problem.

So, can someone please let me know as soon as possible if I should take the antibiotics while I also take my beta blockers?

Thanks.

[John Kenyon, CNA]

Hi there -

While there definitely are things you don't want to take in combination with Erythromycin, including azole antifungals, calcium channel blockers, and, of all things, grapefruit juice, propranolol is not a CYP3A inhibitor and is safe to take with Erythromycin, although many doctors simply substitute another antibiotic now, because it's easier than giving the patient a list of things to avoid while taking it. The Big Three I've already listed above. There are some others, but those are the most common offenders. Oh, and you can add to that list cimetidine as well (and that one shouldn't be taken with

I hope this is helpful to you. If you're still not comfortable with Erythromycin you should explain this to your doctor and request an alternative antibiotic, such as amoxycillin.

Best of luck to you.