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erythromycin vs tamsulosin

Side-by-side comparison of erythromycin and tamsulosin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

moderate Known Drug Interaction

Tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules should be used with caution in combination with moderate inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., erythromycin), in combination with strong (e.g., paroxetine) or moderate (e.g., terbinafine) inhibitors of CYP2D6, or in patients known to be CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, particularly at a dose higher than 0.4 mg (e.g., 0.8 mg). The effects of concomitant administration of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., erythromycin) on the pharmacokinetics of tamsulosin hydrochloride have not been evaluated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Recommendation: Use this combination with caution, especially if your doctor has prescribed a higher dose of tamsulosin.

Drug Class
erythromycin Macrolide Antibiotic
tamsulosin Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker
Type
erythromycin Prescription
tamsulosin Prescription
Summary
erythromycin

Erythromycin Topical Solution is a medicine that you put on your skin to treat acne. It contains an antibiotic to help clear up your skin.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin (Flomax) helps to improve urination in men with enlarged prostate glands. It relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, making it easier to urinate.

What It Treats
erythromycin

Erythromycin Topical Solution treats acne vulgaris. This medicine helps to reduce acne on your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. It works by fighting the bacteria that cause acne.

tamsulosin

This medicine treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH can cause problems with urination, like difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine. Tamsulosin helps to relieve these symptoms.

How It Works
erythromycin

Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This helps to reduce inflammation and clear up acne.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin blocks alpha-1 adrenoceptors in the prostate and bladder. These receptors control muscle tightness. By blocking them, tamsulosin relaxes the muscles, which improves urine flow.

Common Side Effects
erythromycin
  • Peeling
  • Dryness
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Oily skin
tamsulosin
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Runny nose
  • Infection
  • Abnormal ejaculation
FAERS Reports
erythromycin
  • Drug Hypersensitivity 4,088
  • Nausea 1,271
  • Vomiting 1,121
  • Diarrhoea 1,069
  • Dyspnoea 1,023
tamsulosin
  • Tiredness 1,417
  • Shortness of breath 1,332
  • Feeling lightheaded 1,131
  • Loose stools 1,121
  • Head pain 883
Serious Warnings
erythromycin

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

tamsulosin

Tamsulosin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up, leading to dizziness or fainting. Avoid situations where you could get hurt if you faint. Tell your eye doctor if you are planning to have cataract or glaucoma surgery, as tamsulosin can cause complications during the procedure. You should be screened for prostate cancer before starting tamsulosin and regularly after.

Pregnancy
erythromycin

It is not known if erythromycin topical solution can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

tamsulosin

This medicine is only for men. It is not meant to be used by women. There is no information about the safety of tamsulosin during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it is not used in women.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This erythromycin vs tamsulosin Comparison

erythromycin is classified in the Macrolide Antibiotic drug class, while tamsulosin sits within the Alpha-1 Adrenergic Blocker class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, erythromycin has 8,572 submissions while tamsulosin has 5,884. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to erythromycin may slow down the way your body gets rid of tamsulosin, which could cause the drug to build up in your blood. this might lead to more side effects from the medicine.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between erythromycin and tamsulosin - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.