Does Fluconazole Interact with Clarithromycin?
Fluconazole and Clarithromycin have a contraindicated drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Antifungals: Itraconazole Fluconazole Use With Caution No Dose Adjustment Itraconazole: Both clarithromycin and itraconazole are substrates and inhibitors of CYP3A, potentially leading to a bi-directional drug interaction when administered concomitantly (see also Itraconazole under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin” in the table below). Fluconazole: [see Pharmacokinetics (12.3) ] Anti-Gout Agents: Colchicine (in patients with renal or hepatic impairment) Colchicine (in patients with normal renal and hepatic function) Contraindicated Use With Caution Colchicine : Colchicine is a substrate for both CYP3A and the efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (Pgp). 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
- Contraindicated
- Fluconazole Class
- Azole Antifungal
- 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 Fluconazole and your doctor is considering prescribing Clarithromycin (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