Antibiotics

[RWS]

Anyone have experience with Erythromycin? Today I am starting seven days of Erythromycin. Yes, I normally would avoid this one but that?s the way it is, long story. I manage my own warfarin and home test, stable as a rock most of the time at around 2.5. I had to convince my pharmacy that I know this is classified as a major interaction, they were concerned until we talked a while.
My question is ?Rule of Thumb? How long does erythromycin take to raise INR ? Should I half warfarin every other day and test every three ? etc?..I would like to be pro active now on day one rather then let it climb and then deal with it. My normal dose is 4mg day.

 

[Ross]

Check it in 3 days and see what you need to do.

http://www.warfarinfo.com/erythromycin.htm

 

[Blanche]

Randy:
Medications work differently on different people. My dear one has taken erythromycin more than several times and it doesn't seem to bother his INR at all. Other folks have reported both increases in INR and decreases in INR. The only "Rule of Thumb" when dealing with anticoagulation seems to be that there is no "Rule of Thumb." There really doesn't seem to be an accurate means for anticipating the degree of change in INR results as a result of any of the variables that causes changes. That's why we are so glad to have home monitoring. After Al has dental work, we tend to test two or three days later and make changes accordingly.
Blanche

 

[Granbonny]

I agree with Ross. Wait 3 days and test..if it's higher..can tweak the 3rd days doseage..and test again in 3 days...also, do the same that Blanche says..test 3 days after my dental appointment.From the Amox I took 1 hour prior to appointment. Mine has never had any different reading from taking amox. Bonnie

 

[Rich]

Hi Randy,
Some anti-biotics have raised my INR quite a bit, yet others have had no effect on it at all.
I took a combination of two very strong anti-biotics for diverticulitus about a year ago, and that did raise my INR.
Others I have used such as Biaxin XL and Keflex didn't affect my INR.
What I do however is increase my intake of vitamin K during those periods.
It seems to work well and not mess with my dosage, I don't want to get on that roller coaster.
Rich