Does Clarithromycin Interact with Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate?
Clarithromycin and Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Clarithromycin increases plasma ranitidine concentrations (57%), bismuth trough concentrations (48%), and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin (31%). These effects are clinically insignificant. The mechanism involves clarithromycin inhibits ranitidine and bismuth metabolism. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Clarithromycin Class
- Macrolide Antimicrobial
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Clarithromycin and Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate occurs because clarithromycin inhibits ranitidine and bismuth metabolism. Clinically, this means clarithromycin increases plasma ranitidine concentrations (57%), bismuth trough concentrations (48%), and 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin (31%). these effects are clinically insignificant. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Clarithromycin and your doctor is considering prescribing Ranitidine Bismuth Citrate (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
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider