Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Fluvastatin
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Fluvastatin: 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 may modestly increase fluvastatin exposure, potentially through effects on hepatic uptake transporters. Fluvastatin is mainly cleared by CYP2C9, so the interaction is much weaker than that seen with simvastatin or lovastatin. A small increase in the risk of myopathy is possible.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Fluvastatin 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; Fluvastatin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of OATP1B1 hepatic uptake of fluvastatin by clarithromycin.
What to do
No dose adjustment is generally required; counsel the patient to report muscle pain or weakness. Consider a temporary statin pause for a short antibiotic course if the patient has other myopathy risk factors.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Fluvastatin
- Cyclosporin + Fluvastatin Major
- Fluvastatin + Gemfibrozil Major
- Fluvastatin + Letermovir Major
- Fluvastatin + Red yeast rice Major
- Apalutamide + Fluvastatin Moderate
- Cholestyramine + Fluvastatin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Fluvastatin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Fluvastatin 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 may modestly increase fluvastatin exposure, potentially through effects on hepatic uptake transporters. Fluvastatin is mainly cleared by CYP2C9, so the interaction is much weaker than that seen with simvastatin or lovastatin. A small increase in the risk of myopathy is possible.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Fluvastatin?
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 generally required; counsel the patient to report muscle pain or weakness. Consider a temporary statin pause for a short antibiotic course if the patient has other myopathy risk factors.
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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