Drug interactions
Ampicillin-sulbactam + Clarithromycin
Severity: Minor
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Clarithromycin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Bacteriostatic macrolides have been proposed to reduce the bactericidal effect of beta-lactams. Clinical data do not show a consistent loss of efficacy, and the pair is often used together in respiratory infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ampicillin-sulbactam and Clarithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Ampicillin-sulbactam belongs to Anti Bacterial; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between a bacteriostatic macrolide and a growth-dependent bactericidal beta-lactam.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Monitor clinical response and reassess therapy if improvement is lacking.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam
Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ampicillin-sulbactam with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Ampicillin-sulbactam and Clarithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bacteriostatic macrolides have been proposed to reduce the bactericidal effect of beta-lactams. Clinical data do not show a consistent loss of efficacy, and the pair is often used together in respiratory infections.
How serious is the interaction between Ampicillin-sulbactam and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine adjustment is needed. Monitor clinical response and reassess therapy if improvement is lacking.
What other medicines interact with Ampicillin-sulbactam?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ampicillin-sulbactam with, for example, Methotrexate, Allopurinol, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Ampicillin-sulbactam page.
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