HomeClarithromycin

Clarithromycin

Macrolide AntimicrobialCytochrome P450 3A4 InhibitorsCytochrome P450 3A Inhibitors

Route: Oral

Check Clarithromycin Interactions →
218 interactions on record

Clarithromycin has 218 known drug interactions based on U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Of these, 49 are contraindicated combinations that should be avoided entirely. 62 are classified as major interactions requiring close medical supervision. Notable interactions include combinations with Alprazolam, Alprazolam C-Iv, Atorvastatin. Patients taking Clarithromycin should inform their healthcare provider of all current medications — including over-the-counter drugs and supplements — to avoid potentially harmful combinations. Data sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.

Total
218
Contraindicated
49
Major
62
Moderate
67
Minor
4

Contraindicated (49)

Major (62)

Moderate (67)

Minor (4)

Clarithromycin + AtorvastatinContraindicated

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride : [See Contraindications (4.2) ] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Atorvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Contraindicated Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemic Agents: Nateglinide Pioglitazone Repaglinide Rosiglitazone Insulin Use With Caution Nateglinide, Pioglitazone, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Insulin : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Use With Caution Cyclosporine : There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine.

Clarithromycin + Ezetimibe And SimvastatinContraindicated

] Ezetimibe and Simvastatin Tablets Drug Interactions Associated With Increased Risk of Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ( 2.3 , 2.4 , 4 , 5.1 , 7.1 , 7.2 , 7.3 , 7.8 , 12.3 ) Interacting Agents Prescribing Recommendations Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors, (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, boceprevir, telaprevir, nefazodone, cobicistat-containing products), gemfibrozil, cyclosporine, danazol Contraindicated with ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets Niacin (≥1 g/day) For Chinese patients, not recommended with ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets Verapamil, diltiazem, dronedarone Do not exceed 10 mg/10 mg ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets, daily Amiodarone, amlodipine, ranolazine Do not exceed 10 mg/20 mg ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets, daily Lomitapide For patients with HoFH, do not exceed 10 mg/20 mg ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets 1 Daptomycin Temporally suspend ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets Grapefruit juice Avoid grapefruit juice 1. If treatment with itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, erythromycin, clarithromycin or telithromycin is unavoidable, therapy with ezetimibe and simvastatin tablets must be suspended during the course of treatment.

Clarithromycin + FluvastatinContraindicated

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride : [See Contraindications (4.2) ] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Atorvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Contraindicated Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemic Agents: Nateglinide Pioglitazone Repaglinide Rosiglitazone Insulin Use With Caution Nateglinide, Pioglitazone, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Insulin : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Use With Caution Cyclosporine : There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine.

Clarithromycin + LovastatinContraindicated

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride : [See Contraindications (4.2) ] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Atorvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Contraindicated Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemic Agents: Nateglinide Pioglitazone Repaglinide Rosiglitazone Insulin Use With Caution Nateglinide, Pioglitazone, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Insulin : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Use With Caution Cyclosporine : There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine.

Clarithromycin + PravastatinContraindicated

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride : [See Contraindications (4.2) ] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Atorvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Contraindicated Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemic Agents: Nateglinide Pioglitazone Repaglinide Rosiglitazone Insulin Use With Caution Nateglinide, Pioglitazone, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Insulin : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Use With Caution Cyclosporine : There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine.

Clarithromycin + RifabutinContraindicated

This effect may reduce the efficacy of standard doses of such drugs, which include itraconazole, clarithromycin, and saquinavir. Therefore, carefully monitor for rifabutin associated adverse events in those patients also receiving CYP3A inhibitors, which include fluconazole and clarithromycin. Voriconazole 400 mg twice a day for 7 days (maintenance dose) 300 mg once a day for 7 days Healthy male subjects (12) ↑ AUC by 331%, ↑ C max by 195% ↑ AUC by ~100%, ↑ C max by ~100% g CONTRAINDICATED ANTI-PCP (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) Dapsone 50 mg once a day 300 mg once a day HIV infected patients (16) ND ↓ AUC by 27 -40% Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim 800/160 mg 300 mg once a day HIV infected patients (12) ↓ AUC by 15-20% ANTI-MAC (Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex) Azithromycin 500 mg once a day for 1 day, then 250 mg once a day for 9 days 300 mg once a day Healthy subjects (6) Clarithromycin 500 mg twice a day 300 mg once a day HIV infected patients (12) ↑ AUC by 75% ↓ AUC by 50% Monitor for rifabutin associated adverse events.

Clarithromycin + SimvastatinContraindicated

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride : [See Contraindications (4.2) ] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Atorvastatin Pravastatin Fluvastatin Contraindicated Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications (4.5) and Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Hypoglycemic Agents: Nateglinide Pioglitazone Repaglinide Rosiglitazone Insulin Use With Caution Nateglinide, Pioglitazone, Repaglinide, Rosiglitazone : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Insulin : [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] Immunosuppressants: Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Use With Caution Cyclosporine : There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of clarithromycin with cyclosporine.

Clarithromycin + Amlodipine And Atorvastatin⚠️Major

No drug interaction studies have been conducted with amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium and other drugs, although studies have been conducted in the individual amlodipine and atorvastatin components, as described below: Amlodipine Increased Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis ( 2 , 5.1 , 7.3 , 12.3 ) Cyclosporine, tipranavir plus ritonavir, glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir Avoid atorvastatin Clarithromycin, itraconazole, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir,letermovir Do not exceed 20 mg atorvastatin daily Nelfinavir Do not exceed 40 mg atorvastatin daily Lopinavir plus ritonavir, simeprevir, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, azole antifungals, lipid-modifying doses of niacin, colchicine Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use with atorvastatin Other Lipid-Lowering Medications: Increased risk of myopathy (7) . Atorvastatin The risk of myopathy during treatment with statins is increased with concurrent administration of fibric acid derivatives, lipid-modifying doses of niacin, cyclosporine, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, HIV and HCV protease inhibitors, and itraconazole) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Intervention: In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed atorvastatin 20 mg [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )].

Clarithromycin + Atorvastatin Calcium⚠️Major

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS The risk of myopathy during treatment with statins is increased with concurrent administration of fibric acid derivatives, lipid-modifying doses of niacin, cyclosporine, or strong CYP 3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, and itraconazole) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Drug Interactions Associated with Increased Risk of Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis ( 2.6 , 5.1 , 7 , 12.3 ) Interacting Agents Prescribing Recommendations Cyclosporine, HIV protease inhibitors (tipranavir plus ritonavir), hepatitis C protease inhibitor (telaprevir) Avoid atorvastatin HIV protease inhibitor (lopinavir plus ritonavir) Use with caution and lowest dose necessary Clarithromycin, itraconazole, HIV protease inhibitors (saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir) Do not exceed 20 mg atorvastatin daily HIV protease inhibitor (nelfinavir) Hepatitis C protease inhibitor (boceprevir) Do not exceed 40 mg atorvastatin daily • Other Lipid-Lowering Medications: Use with fibrate products or lipid-modifying doses (≥ 1 g/day) of niacin increases the risk of adverse skeletal muscle effects. Clarithromycin Atorvastatin AUC was significantly increased with concomitant administration of atorvastatin 80 mg with clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) compared to that of atorvastatin calcium alone [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ].

Clarithromycin + Atazanavir🟡Moderate

Antivirals: Atazanavir Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Ritonavir Etravirine Maraviroc Boceprevir (in patients with normal renal function) Didanosine Zidovudine Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir : Both clarithromycin and atazanavir are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A, and there is evidence of a bi-directional drug interaction (see Atazanavir under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Antivirals: Atazanavir Ritonavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Etravirine Saquinavir (in patients with normal renal function) Ritonavir (in patients with normal renal function) Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir: When clarithromycin is co-administered with atazanavir, the dose of clarithromycin should be decreased by 50% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Since concentrations of 14-OH clarithromycin are significantly reduced when clarithromycin is co-administered with atazanavir, alternative antibacterial therapy should be considered for indications other than infections due to Mycobacterium avium complex.

Clarithromycin + Ritonavir🟡Moderate

Antivirals: Atazanavir Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Ritonavir Etravirine Maraviroc Boceprevir (in patients with normal renal function) Didanosine Zidovudine Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir : Both clarithromycin and atazanavir are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A, and there is evidence of a bi-directional drug interaction (see Atazanavir under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Ritonavir, Etravirine: (see Ritonavir and Etravirine under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Antivirals: Atazanavir Ritonavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Etravirine Saquinavir (in patients with normal renal function) Ritonavir (in patients with normal renal function) Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir: When clarithromycin is co-administered with atazanavir, the dose of clarithromycin should be decreased by 50% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Clarithromycin + Saquinavir🟡Moderate

Antivirals: Atazanavir Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Ritonavir Etravirine Maraviroc Boceprevir (in patients with normal renal function) Didanosine Zidovudine Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir : Both clarithromycin and atazanavir are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A, and there is evidence of a bi-directional drug interaction (see Atazanavir under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Saquinavir : Both clarithromycin and saquinavir are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A and there is evidence of a bi-directional drug interaction (see Saquinavir under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] . Antivirals: Atazanavir Ritonavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Saquinavir (in patients with decreased renal function) Etravirine Saquinavir (in patients with normal renal function) Ritonavir (in patients with normal renal function) Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Atazanavir: When clarithromycin is co-administered with atazanavir, the dose of clarithromycin should be decreased by 50% [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Clarithromycin + Atorvaliqℹ️Unknown

Intervention: In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed ATORVALIQ 20 mg [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . Examples: Erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Saquinavir 400 mg BID /ritonavir 400 mg BID , 15 days 40 mg QD for 4 days 3.93 4.31 Elbasvir 50 mg QD /grazoprevir 200 mg QD , 13 days 10 mg SD 1.94 4.34 Simeprevir 150 mg QD , 10 days 40 mg SD 2.12 1.70 Clarithromycin 500 mg BID , 9 days 80 mg QD for 8 days 4.54 5.38 Darunavir 300 mg BID /ritonavir 100 mg BID , 9 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 3.45 2.25 Itraconazole 200 mg QD , 4 days 40 mg SD 3.32 1.20 Letermovir 480 mg QD , 10 days 20 mg SD 3.29 2.17 Fosamprenavir 700 mg BID /ritonavir 100 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 2.53 2.84 Fosamprenavir 1400 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 4 days 2.3 4.04 Nelfinavir 1250 mg BID , 14 days 10 mg QD for 28 days 1.74 2.22 Grapefruit Juice, 240 mL QD , Greater increases in AUC (ratio of AUC up to 2.5) and/or Cmax (ratio of Cmax up to 1.71) have been reported with excessive grapefruit consumption (≥ 750 mL-1.2 liters per day).

Clarithromycin + Pioglitazone And Glimepirideℹ️Unknown

The following are examples of medications that may increase the glucose-lowering effect of sulfonylureas including glimepiride, a component of pioglitazone and glimepiride tablets, increasing the susceptibility to and/or intensity of hypoglycemia: oral anti-diabetic medications, pramlintide acetate, insulin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, fibrates, propoxyphene, pentoxifylline, somatostatin analogs, anabolic steroids and androgens, cyclophosphamide, phenyramidol, guanethidine, fluconazole, sulfinpyrazone, tetracyclines, clarithromycin, disopyramide, quinolones, and those drugs that are highly protein-bound, such as fluoxetine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, salicylates, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, coumarins, probenecid and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Data sourced from U.S. FDA drug labeling via openFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine. For informational purposes only. Always consult your pharmacist or physician.