Drug interactions
Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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
Buprenorphine and clarithromycin each have QT-prolonging potential, and clarithromycin may raise buprenorphine levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. The implant's steady release makes dose adjustment difficult.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 opioid excess and QT changes during the antibiotic course, or choose a non-interacting antibiotic.
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 subdermal implant with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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. Buprenorphine and clarithromycin each have QT-prolonging potential, and clarithromycin may raise buprenorphine levels through CYP3A4 inhibition. The implant's steady release makes dose adjustment difficult.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine subdermal implant 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 opioid excess and QT changes during the antibiotic course, or choose a non-interacting antibiotic.
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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