Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Indinavir
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Indinavir: 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 can increase indinavir concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition, raising the risk of indinavir adverse effects such as nephrolithiasis and hyperbilirubinemia. Indinavir may also affect clarithromycin metabolite formation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Indinavir 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 metabolism of indinavir.
What to do
Monitor for indinavir toxicity and maintain hydration; no routine dose adjustment is usually needed. Consider azithromycin as an alternative.
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 Indinavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Indinavir 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 can increase indinavir concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition, raising the risk of indinavir adverse effects such as nephrolithiasis and hyperbilirubinemia. Indinavir may also affect clarithromycin metabolite formation.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Indinavir?
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 indinavir toxicity and maintain hydration; no routine dose adjustment is usually needed. Consider azithromycin as an alternative.
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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