Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Gefitinib
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Gefitinib: 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 increases gefitinib exposure, which may worsen diarrhea, rash and hepatotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Gefitinib 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; Gefitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces gefitinib metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for gefitinib adverse effects and liver function; consider an alternative antibiotic if toxicity emerges.
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
Other interactions of Gefitinib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Gefitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Gefitinib 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 increases gefitinib exposure, which may worsen diarrhea, rash and hepatotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Gefitinib?
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 gefitinib adverse effects and liver function; consider an alternative antibiotic if toxicity emerges.
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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