Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Istradefylline
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Istradefylline: 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
Istradefylline is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4, so clarithromycin increases its exposure and the risk of dyskinesia and other adverse effects. Istradefylline at higher doses can itself raise levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Istradefylline 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; Istradefylline belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that reduces istradefylline clearance.
What to do
Limit istradefylline to 20 mg daily during clarithromycin therapy. Monitor for worsening dyskinesia, hallucinations or somnolence.
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 Istradefylline
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Istradefylline?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Istradefylline 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. Istradefylline is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4, so clarithromycin increases its exposure and the risk of dyskinesia and other adverse effects. Istradefylline at higher doses can itself raise levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Istradefylline?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Limit istradefylline to 20 mg daily during clarithromycin therapy. Monitor for worsening dyskinesia, hallucinations or somnolence.
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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