Drug interactions
Aripiprazole + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Aripiprazole and Clarithromycin: moderate 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
Clarithromycin raises aripiprazole concentrations, which can intensify sedation, akathisia and other adverse effects. QT effects of aripiprazole are minimal, so the main concern is increased exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aripiprazole and Clarithromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Aripiprazole belongs to Central Nervous System; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, a major pathway for aripiprazole metabolism.
What to do
Reduce the aripiprazole dose to about half with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors per labeling, and return to the usual dose after clarithromycin is stopped.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Aripiprazole + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Aripiprazole Major
- Aripiprazole + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Aripiprazole + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Major
- Aripiprazole + Carbamazepine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aripiprazole with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aripiprazole and Clarithromycin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Clarithromycin raises aripiprazole concentrations, which can intensify sedation, akathisia and other adverse effects. QT effects of aripiprazole are minimal, so the main concern is increased exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Aripiprazole and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the aripiprazole dose to about half with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors per labeling, and return to the usual dose after clarithromycin is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Clarithromycin with, for example, Astemizole, Avanafil, Cisapride. The full list is on the Clarithromycin page.
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