Drug interactions
Bexarotene + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Bexarotene 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
Clarithromycin may raise bexarotene concentrations because bexarotene is partly cleared by CYP3A4. This could increase dose-related adverse effects such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bexarotene 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.
Bexarotene belongs to Oncology; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of bexarotene.
What to do
Monitor fasting lipids and thyroid function and watch for bexarotene toxicity during the combination. Consider a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin if feasible.
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 Bexarotene
- Bexarotene + Gemfibrozil Major
- Bexarotene + Lorlatinib Major
- Alogliptin-pioglitazone + Bexarotene Moderate
- Amobarbital + Bexarotene Moderate
- Aprepitant + Bexarotene Moderate
- Axitinib + Bexarotene Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bexarotene with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Bexarotene 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. Clarithromycin may raise bexarotene concentrations because bexarotene is partly cleared by CYP3A4. This could increase dose-related adverse effects such as hypertriglyceridemia, hypothyroidism and pancreatitis.
How serious is the interaction between Bexarotene 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: Monitor fasting lipids and thyroid function and watch for bexarotene toxicity during the combination. Consider a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin if feasible.
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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