Does Disopyramide Phosphate Interact with Erythromycin?
Disopyramide Phosphate and Erythromycin have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Cases of life-threatening interactions have been reported. Erythromycin inhibits cytochrome P450 3A4, resulting in elevation of disopyramide plasma levels. The mechanism involves inhibition of cytochrome p450 3a4 metabolism. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Erythromycin Class
- Macrolide
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Disopyramide Phosphate and Erythromycin occurs because inhibition of cytochrome p450 3a4 metabolism. Clinically, this means cases of life-threatening interactions have been reported. erythromycin inhibits cytochrome p450 3a4, resulting in elevation of disopyramide plasma levels. Because of the severity of this interaction, these medications are contraindicated — meaning they should not be taken together under any circumstances. If you are currently taking both, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss alternatives.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Disopyramide Phosphate and your doctor is considering prescribing Erythromycin (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider