Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Desflurane
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Desflurane: 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
Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may add to this effect during surgery. This increases arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Desflurane 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; Desflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Tell the anesthesia team about recent clarithromycin use. Obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG perioperatively.
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 Desflurane
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Desflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Desflurane 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. Volatile anesthetics such as desflurane can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may add to this effect during surgery. This increases arrhythmia risk, particularly with electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Desflurane?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Tell the anesthesia team about recent clarithromycin use. Obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG perioperatively.
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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