CARBAMAZEPINE AND MACROLIDES - ERYTHROMYCIN
Erythromycin raises carbamazepine levels by as much as 5-fold, which has resulted in toxicity in several cases.
Avoid concurrent use unless carbamazepine levels can be closely monitored and suitable dosage reductions made. Symptoms commonly begin within 24 to 72 hours of starting erythromycin. In most cases toxicity resolves within 5 days of stopping the erythromycin. Carbamazepine toxicity may present as nausea, vomiting, ataxia or drowsiness.
Avoid concurrent use unless carbamazepine levels can be closely monitored and suitable dosage reductions made. Symptoms commonly begin within 24 to 72 hours of starting erythromycin. In most cases toxicity resolves within 5 days of stopping the erythromycin. Carbamazepine toxicity may present as nausea, vomiting, ataxia or drowsiness.