Drug interactions
Brentuximab + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Brentuximab 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise exposure to MMAE, the cytotoxic payload of brentuximab vedotin. This may increase the risk of neutropenia and other toxicities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brentuximab 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.
Brentuximab belongs to Oncology; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition reduces clearance of MMAE.
What to do
Monitor closely for neutropenia and other adverse reactions, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when 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 Brentuximab
- Bleomycin + Brentuximab Contraindicated
- Brentuximab + Dengue vaccine Major
- Brentuximab + Etrasimod Major
- Brentuximab + Idelalisib Major
- Brentuximab + Levoketoconazole Major
- Brentuximab + Nefazodone Major
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 Brentuximab with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Brentuximab 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may raise exposure to MMAE, the cytotoxic payload of brentuximab vedotin. This may increase the risk of neutropenia and other toxicities.
How serious is the interaction between Brentuximab 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 closely for neutropenia and other adverse reactions, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible.
What other medicines interact with Brentuximab?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Brentuximab with, for example, Bleomycin, Dengue vaccine, Etrasimod. The full list is on the Brentuximab page.
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