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Does Erythromycin Interact with Clindamycin Phosphate?

Erythromycin and Clindamycin Phosphate have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Should not be used in combination with topical or oral erythromycin-containing products due to possible antagonism to clindamycin's antimicrobial component. The mechanism involves in vitro antagonism between the two antimicrobials. 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 Phosphate occurs because in vitro antagonism between the two antimicrobials. Clinically, this means should not be used in combination with topical or oral erythromycin-containing products due to possible antagonism to clindamycin's antimicrobial component. 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 Phosphate (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 Phosphate(Clindamycin Phosphate)

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 phosphate

What this means in plain English

Should not be used in combination with topical or oral erythromycin-containing products due to possible antagonism to clindamycin's antimicrobial component.

What the FDA label says

"In vitro antagonism between the two antimicrobials"

📖 Source: NLP:clindamycin phosphate

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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.