Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Clonazepam
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Clonazepam: 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 increase clonazepam concentrations, which can intensify sedation, dizziness and impaired coordination. The effect is usually modest but may matter in older or frail patients.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Clonazepam 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Clonazepam belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, which contributes to clonazepam metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for excessive drowsiness and reduce the clonazepam dose if sedation develops. Counsel the patient about driving and operating machinery.
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 Clonazepam
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Clonazepam Contraindicated
- Clonazepam + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
- Alfentanil + Clonazepam Major
- Alprazolam + Clonazepam Major
- Amobarbital + Clonazepam Major
- Belladonna and opium + Clonazepam Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Clonazepam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Clonazepam 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 increase clonazepam concentrations, which can intensify sedation, dizziness and impaired coordination. The effect is usually modest but may matter in older or frail patients.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Clonazepam?
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 excessive drowsiness and reduce the clonazepam dose if sedation develops. Counsel the patient about driving and operating machinery.
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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