Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Fluticasone furoate
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Fluticasone furoate: 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4, the main route of clearance of fluticasone furoate, and can raise systemic corticosteroid exposure. This may lead to cortisol suppression and other systemic corticosteroid effects, particularly with prolonged use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Fluticasone furoate 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated first-pass and systemic metabolism of fluticasone furoate (and possibly P-gp) by clarithromycin.
What to do
Monitor for signs of hypercortisolism and adrenal suppression if therapy is prolonged. For long-term use consider an alternative macrolide such as azithromycin or a corticosteroid less dependent on CYP3A4.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Fluticasone furoate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Fluticasone furoate 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4, the main route of clearance of fluticasone furoate, and can raise systemic corticosteroid exposure. This may lead to cortisol suppression and other systemic corticosteroid effects, particularly with prolonged use.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Fluticasone furoate?
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 for signs of hypercortisolism and adrenal suppression if therapy is prolonged. For long-term use consider an alternative macrolide such as azithromycin or a corticosteroid less dependent on CYP3A4.
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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