Drug interactions
Buprenorphine long-acting + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine long-acting 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
Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may increase buprenorphine concentrations via CYP3A4 inhibition. A long-acting injection cannot be quickly withdrawn if toxicity occurs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine long-acting 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
Additive QT prolongation plus CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and QTc changes, or select an antibiotic without CYP3A4 inhibition.
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 Buprenorphine long-acting with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine long-acting 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. Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may increase buprenorphine concentrations via CYP3A4 inhibition. A long-acting injection cannot be quickly withdrawn if toxicity occurs.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine long-acting 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 for sedation, respiratory depression and QTc changes, or select an antibiotic without CYP3A4 inhibition.
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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