Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Epinephrine
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Epinephrine: 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
Epinephrine can prolong QT and cause arrhythmias, and clarithromycin may add to QT risk. This matters mainly with systemic or repeated dosing rather than single emergency use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Epinephrine 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; Epinephrine belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and catecholamine-driven arrhythmia risk.
What to do
Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies. For prolonged infusions, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Epinephrine
- Epinephrine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Epinephrine + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Acebutolol + Epinephrine Major
- Amitriptyline + Epinephrine Major
- Amoxapine + Epinephrine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Epinephrine 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. Epinephrine can prolong QT and cause arrhythmias, and clarithromycin may add to QT risk. This matters mainly with systemic or repeated dosing rather than single emergency use.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Epinephrine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Do not withhold epinephrine in emergencies. For prolonged infusions, monitor ECG and correct potassium and magnesium.
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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