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Drug interactions

Clarithromycin + Galantamine

Severity: Moderate

Clarithromycin and Galantamine: 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 increase galantamine concentrations, which can increase cholinergic effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and syncope.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clarithromycin and Galantamine 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; Galantamine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, a secondary route of galantamine metabolism.

What to do

Monitor heart rate and gastrointestinal tolerance, and reduce the galantamine dose if cholinergic effects develop.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clarithromycin with Galantamine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Galantamine 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 increase galantamine concentrations, which can increase cholinergic effects such as nausea, vomiting, bradycardia and syncope.

How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Galantamine?

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 heart rate and gastrointestinal tolerance, and reduce the galantamine dose if cholinergic effects develop.

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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