Does Clarithromycin Interact with Pravastatin?
CDI records a contraindicated classification for Clarithromycin and Pravastatin. The stored summary is: 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. 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
- Management
- Do not take together
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Clarithromycin and your doctor is considering prescribing Pravastatin (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