Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Bcg vaccine live 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
Antibacterial activity of clarithromycin can reduce the viability of the live attenuated bacteria in BCG vaccine, which may weaken the immune response. Clarithromycin has activity against some mycobacteria. Vaccine effectiveness may be compromised.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live 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.
Why it happens
Antibacterial effect of the macrolide may kill or inhibit the live attenuated vaccine organism, reducing immunogenicity.
What to do
Delay BCG vaccination until the antibiotic course is complete, or revaccinate/reassess immunity if it was given during therapy. For intravesical BCG, avoid concurrent antibiotics where possible.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bcg vaccine live 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. Antibacterial activity of clarithromycin can reduce the viability of the live attenuated bacteria in BCG vaccine, which may weaken the immune response. Clarithromycin has activity against some mycobacteria. Vaccine effectiveness may be compromised.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live 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: Delay BCG vaccination until the antibiotic course is complete, or revaccinate/reassess immunity if it was given during therapy. For intravesical BCG, avoid concurrent antibiotics where possible.
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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