Which clients on erythromycin will the nurse monitor closely for drug–drug interactions?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Client wearing a fentanyl patch for chronic pain syndrome
2. Client taking theophylline for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
3. Recovering heroin addict who takes methadone daily
4. Client using topical neomycin for wound infection
5. Client who is 4 months pregnant and taking prenatal vitamins

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Concurrent use with erythromycin may increase the serum levels and toxicity of fentanyl.
Rationale 2: Concurrent use with erythromycin may increase the serum levels and toxicity of theophylline.
Rationale 3: Concurrent use with erythromycin may increase the serum levels and toxicity of methadone.
Rationale 4: Topical neomycin would not have a drug–drug interaction with erythromycin.
Rationale 5: Erythromycin is a category B drug. There is no drug–drug interaction between prenatal vitamins and erythromycin.
Global Rationale: When used concurrently with erythromycin, the serum levels and toxicities of alfentanil, carbamazepine, cyclosporine, fentanyl, theophylline, and methadone may increase. There is no drug-drug interaction with topical neomycin or prenatal vitamins.