Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Dutasteride-tamsulosin
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Dutasteride-tamsulosin: 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
Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise tamsulosin and dutasteride concentrations. Higher tamsulosin exposure increases the risk of hypotension, dizziness and syncope.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Dutasteride-tamsulosin 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; Dutasteride-tamsulosin belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of tamsulosin and dutasteride.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible. If used, monitor blood pressure and orthostatic symptoms for the duration of therapy.
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 Dutasteride-tamsulosin
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 Dutasteride-tamsulosin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Dutasteride-tamsulosin 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can raise tamsulosin and dutasteride concentrations. Higher tamsulosin exposure increases the risk of hypotension, dizziness and syncope.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Dutasteride-tamsulosin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin when possible. If used, monitor blood pressure and orthostatic symptoms for the duration of therapy.
What other medicines interact with Dutasteride-tamsulosin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dutasteride-tamsulosin with, for example, Alfuzosin, Amifostine, Atazanavir. The full list is on the Dutasteride-tamsulosin page.
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