Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Dabrafenib
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Dabrafenib: major 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 dabrafenib plasma concentrations, raising the risk of adverse effects such as pyrexia, rash and QT prolongation. Dabrafenib itself is a CYP3A4 inducer, which can also lower clarithromycin exposure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Dabrafenib 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 belongs to Anti Bacterial; Dabrafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing the metabolism of dabrafenib, which is a CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 substrate.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If it cannot be avoided, monitor closely for dabrafenib toxicity and QTc, and reduce the dabrafenib dose if adverse effects emerge.
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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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 Dabrafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Dabrafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Dabrafenib 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 may increase dabrafenib plasma concentrations, raising the risk of adverse effects such as pyrexia, rash and QT prolongation. Dabrafenib itself is a CYP3A4 inducer, which can also lower clarithromycin exposure.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Dabrafenib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If it cannot be avoided, monitor closely for dabrafenib toxicity and QTc, and reduce the dabrafenib dose if adverse effects emerge.
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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