Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Droperidol
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Droperidol: 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 prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Droperidol carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation, so additional QT-prolonging drugs are discouraged.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Droperidol 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.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation, with possible CYP3A4 inhibition raising droperidol exposure.
What to do
Avoid the combination and use an alternative antiemetic or antibiotic. If it cannot be avoided, perform ECG monitoring and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia first.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Droperidol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Droperidol 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 prolong the QT interval, and combining them raises the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. Droperidol carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation, so additional QT-prolonging drugs are discouraged.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Droperidol?
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 and use an alternative antiemetic or antibiotic. If it cannot be avoided, perform ECG monitoring and correct hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia first.
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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