Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Etoposide
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Etoposide: 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
Clarithromycin may increase etoposide exposure, potentially worsening myelosuppression and mucositis. Clinical data are limited but the mechanism is plausible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Etoposide 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; Etoposide belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, decreasing etoposide clearance.
What to do
Monitor blood counts closely and consider an alternative antibiotic. Reduce the etoposide dose if toxicity develops.
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 Etoposide
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Etoposide Contraindicated
- Etoposide + Pentostatin Contraindicated
- Cyclosporin + Etoposide Major
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Etoposide Major
- Etoposide + Fingolimod Major
- Etoposide + Fosphenytoin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Etoposide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Etoposide 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 may increase etoposide exposure, potentially worsening myelosuppression and mucositis. Clinical data are limited but the mechanism is plausible.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Etoposide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood counts closely and consider an alternative antibiotic. Reduce the etoposide dose if toxicity develops.
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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