What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Erythromycin and pravastatin
Pravastatin's FDA label of July 31, 2026 names erythromycin in its drug interactions section; erythromycin's label does not name pravastatin itself but warns about its class (Statins). The pravastatin label: “The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of clarithromycin or erythromycin with pravastatin. Other macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) have the potential to increase pravastatin exposures and …”
Check it at the source: the erythromycin FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 1, 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.); the pravastatin FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026, Apotex Corp.).
What does the erythromycin label say about pravastatin?
Erythromycin's label does not name pravastatin itself; it warns about its class (Statins):
Erythromycin label, contraindicationsErythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, or cisapride. (See PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions .) Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Erythromycin label, contraindicationsDo not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.
Source: FDA drug label (Erythromycin), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., effective August 1, 2024 (SPL set 75a0bd5a-d09f-483b-bfd8-f8343b149eb2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the pravastatin label say about erythromycin?
Pravastatin label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased by concomitant use of clarithromycin or erythromycin with pravastatin. Other macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) have the potential to increase pravastatin exposures and increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomintantly. Intervention: For patients taking erythromycin or clarithromycin, do not exceed 40 mg pravastatin once daily [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )].
Source: FDA drug label (PRAVASTATIN SODIUM), Apotex Corp., effective July 31, 2026 (SPL set dcf45e4f-b46e-6fbb-b67a-2ff619ab1780), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Erythromycin | Pravastatin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Bacterial infections, Acne | Heart attack and coronary artery disease, High cholesterol, High triglycerides |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $1.96 per tablet 250 mg tablet | $0.058 per tablet 20 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once