Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Finasteride
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Finasteride: minor 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase finasteride concentrations. Finasteride is well tolerated across a wide dose range, so the effect is rarely clinically important.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Finasteride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Finasteride belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of finasteride.
What to do
No dose adjustment is usually needed. Be aware of possible increased finasteride adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction during a short antibiotic course.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Finasteride
- Finasteride + Levoketoconazole Moderate
- Finasteride + Nefazodone Moderate
- Finasteride + Rifampin Moderate
- Finasteride + St john's wort Moderate
- Amobarbital + Finasteride Minor
- Aprepitant + Finasteride Minor
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 Finasteride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Finasteride have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase finasteride concentrations. Finasteride is well tolerated across a wide dose range, so the effect is rarely clinically important.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Finasteride?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is usually needed. Be aware of possible increased finasteride adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction during a short antibiotic course.
What other medicines interact with Finasteride?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Finasteride with, for example, Levoketoconazole, Nefazodone, Rifampin. The full list is on the Finasteride page.
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