Drug interactions
Cholic acid + Clarithromycin
Severity: Moderate
Cholic acid 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 inhibit bile salt export, allowing conjugated bile acids to accumulate in hepatocytes and potentially causing liver injury.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cholic acid 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.
Cholic acid belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of the bile salt export pump (BSEP) reduces biliary elimination of bile acids.
What to do
Prefer an antibiotic that does not inhibit BSEP; if combined, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin.
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 Cholic acid
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cholic acid with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cholic acid 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 inhibit bile salt export, allowing conjugated bile acids to accumulate in hepatocytes and potentially causing liver injury.
How serious is the interaction between Cholic acid 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: Prefer an antibiotic that does not inhibit BSEP; if combined, monitor serum transaminases and bilirubin.
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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