Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Dolasetron
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Dolasetron: 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Clarithromycin may also inhibit CYP3A4, which contributes to dolasetron metabolite handling, adding to the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Dolasetron 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; Dolasetron belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation through cardiac potassium channel blockade, with possible pharmacokinetic contribution from CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, using an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-QT-prolonging agent. If unavoidable, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG.
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 Dolasetron
- Apomorphine + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Dolasetron Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Dolasetron + Vandetanib Contraindicated
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 Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Dolasetron 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 drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Clarithromycin may also inhibit CYP3A4, which contributes to dolasetron metabolite handling, adding to the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Dolasetron?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible, using an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-QT-prolonging agent. If unavoidable, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG.
What other medicines interact with Dolasetron?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dolasetron with, for example, Apomorphine, Dofetilide, Ibutilide. The full list is on the Dolasetron page.
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