Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Desipramine
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Desipramine: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may modestly raise desipramine levels. This increases the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Desipramine 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; Desipramine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation with possible reduced tricyclic clearance through CYP inhibition.
What to do
Choose another antibiotic if possible. If combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for anticholinergic or cardiac toxicity.
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 Desipramine
- Desipramine + Disopyramide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Pentamidine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Desipramine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Desipramine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may modestly raise desipramine levels. This increases the risk of arrhythmia and tricyclic toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Desipramine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Choose another antibiotic if possible. If combined, monitor ECG and electrolytes and watch for anticholinergic or cardiac toxicity.
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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