Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Darifenacin
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Darifenacin: 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and increases darifenacin exposure. This raises the risk of anticholinergic adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Darifenacin 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; Darifenacin belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin reduces darifenacin clearance.
What to do
Limit darifenacin to 7.5 mg daily during clarithromycin, or use an alternative macrolide such as azithromycin. Monitor for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and cognitive effects.
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 Darifenacin
- Atazanavir + Darifenacin Major
- Bethanechol + Darifenacin Major
- Clozapine + Darifenacin Major
- Cobicistat + Darifenacin Major
- Conivaptan + Darifenacin Major
- Darifenacin + Darunavir Major
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 Clarithromycin with Darifenacin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Darifenacin 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and increases darifenacin exposure. This raises the risk of anticholinergic adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Darifenacin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit darifenacin to 7.5 mg daily during clarithromycin, or use an alternative macrolide such as azithromycin. Monitor for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and cognitive effects.
What other medicines interact with Darifenacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Darifenacin with, for example, Atazanavir, Bethanechol, Clozapine. The full list is on the Darifenacin page.
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