Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Fludrocortisone
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Fludrocortisone: 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 reduce the clearance of fludrocortisone through CYP3A4 inhibition, increasing mineralocorticoid effects. This could lead to fluid retention, hypertension and hypokalemia, though the effect is usually modest in a short course.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Fludrocortisone 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; Fludrocortisone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin reduces corticosteroid metabolism.
What to do
Monitor blood pressure, edema, and serum potassium during concurrent use. Reduce the fludrocortisone dose if signs of excess mineralocorticoid effect occur.
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 Fludrocortisone
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Fludrocortisone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Fludrocortisone 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 reduce the clearance of fludrocortisone through CYP3A4 inhibition, increasing mineralocorticoid effects. This could lead to fluid retention, hypertension and hypokalemia, though the effect is usually modest in a short course.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Fludrocortisone?
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 pressure, edema, and serum potassium during concurrent use. Reduce the fludrocortisone dose if signs of excess mineralocorticoid effect occur.
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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