Does Erythromycin Interact with Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide?
CDI records a contraindicated classification for Erythromycin and Clindamycin Benzoyl Peroxide. The stored summary is: 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 record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Erythromycin Class
- Macrolide
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin demonstrated in vitro
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