Drug interactions
Bedaquiline + Clarithromycin
Severity: Major
Bedaquiline 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
Clarithromycin increases bedaquiline exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This raises the risk of QT-related arrhythmias, especially with prolonged coadministration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bedaquiline 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.
Bedaquiline belongs to Anti Bacterial; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition raising bedaquiline levels plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid prolonged coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. If used, monitor ECG regularly and keep electrolytes normal.
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 Bedaquiline
- Bedaquiline + Ziprasidone Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Bedaquiline Major
- Amiodarone + Bedaquiline Major
- Amisulpride + Bedaquiline Major
- Amitriptyline + Bedaquiline Major
- Amobarbital + Bedaquiline Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bedaquiline with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Bedaquiline 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. Clarithromycin increases bedaquiline exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This raises the risk of QT-related arrhythmias, especially with prolonged coadministration.
How serious is the interaction between Bedaquiline 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: Avoid prolonged coadministration unless benefit outweighs risk. If used, monitor ECG regularly and keep electrolytes normal.
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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