Does Zidovudine Interact with Clarithromycin?
Zidovudine and Clarithromycin have a moderate drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Simultaneous oral administration may decrease steady-state zidovudine concentrations by 12% on average. When clarithromycin is given 2-4 hours prior to zidovudine, zidovudine Cmax increases 100%. The mechanism involves clarithromycin affects zidovudine absorption and 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
- Moderate
- Zidovudine Class
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Nucleoside Analog Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
- Clarithromycin Class
- Macrolide Antimicrobial
- Management
- Monitor for effects
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Zidovudine and Clarithromycin occurs because clarithromycin affects zidovudine absorption and metabolism. Clinically, this means simultaneous oral administration may decrease steady-state zidovudine concentrations by 12% on average. when clarithromycin is given 2-4 hours prior to zidovudine, zidovudine cmax increases 100%. This is classified as a moderate interaction. While it may not require stopping either medication, your healthcare provider should be aware you are taking both so they can monitor for potential effects and adjust treatment if necessary.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Zidovudine 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 whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider