Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Ergonovine
Severity: Contraindicated
Clarithromycin and Ergonovine: contraindicated interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 may increase ergonovine concentrations, raising the risk of ergotism with severe vasospasm and tissue ischemia. This class interaction is well documented with other ergot alkaloids.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Ergonovine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of ergot alkaloids.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use; use an alternative antibiotic and monitor for ischemic symptoms if exposure has occurred.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there an alternative to one of these two medicines for me?
- If both are essential, who is monitoring me and how often?
- Which symptoms mean I should stop and seek help straight away?
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References
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 Ergonovine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as contraindicated. Clarithromycin and Ergonovine are not normally used together. Taking them at the same time is expected to cause harm or make one of them unsafe, so a different medicine is usually chosen for one of the two. Clarithromycin may increase ergonovine concentrations, raising the risk of ergotism with severe vasospasm and tissue ischemia. This class interaction is well documented with other ergot alkaloids.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Ergonovine?
MediHelp rates it contraindicated, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use; use an alternative antibiotic and monitor for ischemic symptoms if exposure has occurred.
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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