Drug interactions
Axitinib + Clarithromycin
Severity: Major
Axitinib and Clarithromycin: major 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
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin raise axitinib exposure. This may increase hypertension, diarrhea, hemorrhage and other axitinib toxicities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Axitinib and Clarithromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Axitinib belongs to Oncology; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, the main metabolic pathway of axitinib.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible. If unavoidable, reduce the axitinib dose by about half and monitor blood pressure and tolerability.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Axitinib
- Amobarbital + Axitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Axitinib Major
- Atazanavir + Axitinib Major
- Axitinib + Carbamazepine Major
- Axitinib + Cobicistat Major
- Axitinib + Conivaptan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Axitinib with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Axitinib and Clarithromycin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin raise axitinib exposure. This may increase hypertension, diarrhea, hemorrhage and other axitinib toxicities.
How serious is the interaction between Axitinib and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible. If unavoidable, reduce the axitinib dose by about half and monitor blood pressure and tolerability.
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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