Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin: 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise systemic dexamethasone exposure, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects. With topical use the impact is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin 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; Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by clarithromycin reduces dexamethasone clearance.
What to do
With systemic or prolonged dexamethasone, monitor for hyperglycemia, fluid retention and Cushingoid effects, and reduce the dose if needed. No change is usually needed for short topical use.
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 Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Ketorolac Major
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Lapatinib Major
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Levofloxacin Major
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Mifepristone Major
- Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin + Moxifloxacin Major
- Aldesleukin + Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin Moderate
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 Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise systemic dexamethasone exposure, increasing corticosteroid adverse effects. With topical use the impact is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: With systemic or prolonged dexamethasone, monitor for hyperglycemia, fluid retention and Cushingoid effects, and reduce the dose if needed. No change is usually needed for short topical use.
What other medicines interact with Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin with, for example, Ketorolac, Lapatinib, Levofloxacin. The full list is on the Dexamethasone-neomycin-polymyxin page.
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