Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Lemborexant
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Lemborexant: 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
Clarithromycin increases lemborexant exposure and may cause excess sedation, next-day somnolence and impaired psychomotor function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Lemborexant 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; Lemborexant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition reduces lemborexant metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination per labeling and use an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, use a reduced lemborexant dose and warn about next-day impairment.
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?
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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 Lemborexant
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Lemborexant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Lemborexant 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 increases lemborexant exposure and may cause excess sedation, next-day somnolence and impaired psychomotor function.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Lemborexant?
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 per labeling and use an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, use a reduced lemborexant dose and warn about next-day impairment.
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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