Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Fluticasone inhaled
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Fluticasone inhaled: 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
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors raise systemic fluticasone exposure and can cause Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, especially with prolonged use. Clarithromycin has a smaller effect than ritonavir but the risk exists with prolonged coadministration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Fluticasone inhaled 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
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, reducing the first-pass and systemic clearance of fluticasone.
What to do
Monitor for signs of corticosteroid excess if used long term. Consider beclomethasone or a non-macrolide antibiotic.
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 inhaled?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Fluticasone inhaled 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. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors raise systemic fluticasone exposure and can cause Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, especially with prolonged use. Clarithromycin has a smaller effect than ritonavir but the risk exists with prolonged coadministration.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Fluticasone inhaled?
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 corticosteroid excess if used long term. Consider beclomethasone or a non-macrolide antibiotic.
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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