Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Leuprolide
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Leuprolide: 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
Androgen deprivation therapy with leuprolide can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin has the same effect. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Leuprolide 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; Leuprolide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation from clarithromycin ion channel blockade and androgen deprivation effects.
What to do
Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc.
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 Leuprolide
- Leuprolide + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Leuprolide + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Leuprolide Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Leuprolide Major
- Artemether / lumefantrine + Leuprolide Major
- Disopyramide + Leuprolide Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Leuprolide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Leuprolide 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. Androgen deprivation therapy with leuprolide can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin has the same effect. Combined use may increase the risk of torsades de pointes, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte abnormalities.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Leuprolide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic. If combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor QTc.
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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