HomeErythromycinErythromycin + Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide

Does Erythromycin Interact with Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide?

Erythromycin and Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Should not be used in combination due to clindamycin component. In vitro studies show antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin, though clinical significance is unknown. The mechanism involves antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin demonstrated in vitro. 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 Erythromycin and Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide occurs because antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin demonstrated in vitro. Clinically, this means should not be used in combination due to clindamycin component. in vitro studies show antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin, though clinical significance is unknown. 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 Erythromycin and your doctor is considering prescribing Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide (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
💊 Erythromycin+💊 Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide(Clindamycin Phosphate And Benzoyl Peroxide)

Severity & Interaction Details

contraindicated
Avoid this combination
FDA labeling lists this pair as contraindicated. The risk outweighs the benefit in nearly all cases.
Severity scale
MinorContra
On record
Yes
Drug A class
Macrolide
Drug B class
Source
NLP:clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide

What this means in plain English

Should not be used in combination due to clindamycin component. In vitro studies show antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin, though clinical significance is unknown.

What the FDA label says

"Antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin demonstrated in vitro"

📖 Source: NLP:clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide

Share this result:XFacebookWhatsAppReddit
Add more drugs
Check Erythromycin and Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide against your full medication list

Most patients take more than two medications. CDI checks every pair across up to 20 drugs simultaneously — including OTCs and common supplements.

Add more drugs →

Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.