Drug interactions
Atazanavir + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Atazanavir 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
Atazanavir levels rise with clarithromycin, and atazanavir also raises clarithromycin levels while reducing formation of its active metabolite. This may prolong the QT and PR intervals.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atazanavir 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.
Atazanavir belongs to Anti Virals; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Mutual CYP3A4 inhibition, with additive effects on cardiac conduction.
What to do
Reduce the clarithromycin dose by about half per labeling or use an alternative such as azithromycin. Monitor ECG.
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 Atazanavir
- Alfuzosin + Atazanavir Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Avanafil Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eletriptan Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Eplerenone Contraindicated
- Atazanavir + Ergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atazanavir with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atazanavir 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. Atazanavir levels rise with clarithromycin, and atazanavir also raises clarithromycin levels while reducing formation of its active metabolite. This may prolong the QT and PR intervals.
How serious is the interaction between Atazanavir 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 clarithromycin dose by about half per labeling or use an alternative such as azithromycin. Monitor ECG.
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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