Does Clarithromycin Interact with Colchicine?
CDI records a contraindicated classification for Clarithromycin and Colchicine. The stored summary is: Fatal drug interactions reported when colchicine is administered with clarithromycin, a dual inhibitor of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein. Life-threatening or fatal colchicine toxicity can occur. The mechanism involves dual inhibition of cyp3a4 and p-glycoprotein. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This record was extracted from drug labeling through openFDA. NIH/NLM RxNorm is used for drug identities. The summary and severity classification are CDI's processed information, not a verbatim source quotation. Product, route, and patient circumstances matter.
- Severity
- Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin Class
- Macrolide Antimicrobial
- Colchicine Class
- Alkaloid
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
Recorded Mechanism
Dual inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Clarithromycin and your doctor is considering prescribing Colchicine (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask about alternative medications that do not interact with your current regimen
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider