Skip to content

Drug interactions

Clarithromycin + Larotrectinib

Severity: Major

Clarithromycin and Larotrectinib: major 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

Larotrectinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, so clarithromycin can raise its concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, dizziness and neurotoxicity.

What this interaction means in plain words

Clarithromycin and Larotrectinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Larotrectinib belongs to Oncology.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Strong CYP3A4 inhibition decreases larotrectinib clearance.

What to do

Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, reduce the larotrectinib dose by about half per labeling and monitor for toxicity and liver enzymes.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

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

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Clarithromycin and Larotrectinib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clarithromycin with Larotrectinib?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Larotrectinib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Larotrectinib is a CYP3A4 substrate, so clarithromycin can raise its concentrations. This may increase adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, dizziness and neurotoxicity.

How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Larotrectinib?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination if possible. If unavoidable, reduce the larotrectinib dose by about half per labeling and monitor for toxicity and liver enzymes.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in