Zopiclone Erythromycin

Antibiotics (erythromycin, chloramphenicol, isoniazid) compete for hepatic oxidative pathways that metabolize most benzodiazepines, as well as zolpidem, zopiclone, and buspirone (SEDA-22, 39) (SEDA-22, 41). 

Omeprazole, like cimetidine, can impair benzodiazepine metabolism and lead to adverse effects (SEDA-18, 43). Other drugs, including antibiotics (erythromycin, chloramphenicol, isoniazid), antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole, and analogues), some SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine), other antidepressants (nefazodone), protease inhibitors (saquinavir), opioids (fentanyl), calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil), and disulfiram also compete for hepatic oxidative pathways that metabolize most benzodiazepines, as well as zolpidem, zopiclone, and buspirone (SEDA-22,39) (SEDA-22,41). 

Zopiclone 7.5 mg was given to 10 healthy subjects before and after taking erythromycin 500 mg three times daily for 6 days. The erythromycin increased the plasma concentration of the zopiclone fivefold at 30 minutes and twofold at one hour. Peak plasma levels rose by about 40% and occurred at 1 hour instead of 2 hours. The 1-hour and 2-hour AUCs were... 

Azithromycin does not interact with midazolam or triazolam, and the effects of roxithromycin on midazolam and triazolam, and of erythromycin on diazepam, flunitrazepam, nitrazepam, temazepam and zopiclone or clarithromycin on zolpidem appear to be small and unimportant, or the effects negligible, so that no special precautions seem to be necessary. 

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