Drug interactions
Cariprazine + Clarithromycin
Severity: Major
Cariprazine and Clarithromycin: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 raises concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites, which have long half-lives, so adverse effects such as akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation may increase and persist.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cariprazine 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.
Cariprazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, the main enzyme metabolizing cariprazine and its active metabolites.
What to do
Reduce the cariprazine dose per labeling (for example, halve the dose in established patients) or choose a non-interacting antibiotic, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms.
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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References
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 Cariprazine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cariprazine with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cariprazine 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 raises concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites, which have long half-lives, so adverse effects such as akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation may increase and persist.
How serious is the interaction between Cariprazine 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: Reduce the cariprazine dose per labeling (for example, halve the dose in established patients) or choose a non-interacting antibiotic, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms.
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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