Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Fluphenazine
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Fluphenazine: major 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
Fluphenazine and clarithromycin can each prolong the QT interval, so together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, bradycardia or existing cardiac disease.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Fluphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Fluphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Use a non-macrolide antibiotic when feasible. If co-administration is unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Fluphenazine
- Arsenic trioxide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Fluphenazine Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Fluphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Fluphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Fluphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Fluphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Fluphenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Fluphenazine and clarithromycin can each prolong the QT interval, so together they raise the risk of torsades de pointes. The risk is greater with hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, bradycardia or existing cardiac disease.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Fluphenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-macrolide antibiotic when feasible. If co-administration is unavoidable, obtain a baseline ECG, correct electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
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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