Drug interactions
Atomoxetine + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Atomoxetine 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
Both drugs have the potential to prolong the QT interval, although atomoxetine's effect is mainly seen at high exposure. Clinically relevant arrhythmia is uncommon but more likely with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Atomoxetine 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.
Atomoxetine belongs to Central Nervous System; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation; atomoxetine is cleared by CYP2D6 and not meaningfully by CYP3A4.
What to do
Consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with QT risk factors. Otherwise monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG if symptoms occur.
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 Atomoxetine
- Atomoxetine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Atomoxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Atomoxetine with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Atomoxetine 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. Both drugs have the potential to prolong the QT interval, although atomoxetine's effect is mainly seen at high exposure. Clinically relevant arrhythmia is uncommon but more likely with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Atomoxetine 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: Consider an alternative antibiotic in patients with QT risk factors. Otherwise monitor heart rate, blood pressure and ECG if symptoms occur.
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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