Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Lurbinectedin
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Lurbinectedin: 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 lurbinectedin exposure, which may worsen myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and other adverse effects of the cytotoxic agent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Lurbinectedin 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; Lurbinectedin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that reduces the metabolism of lurbinectedin.
What to do
Avoid strong CYP3A inhibitors and use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If unavoidable, reduce the lurbinectedin dose per labeling and monitor blood counts and liver tests.
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 Lurbinectedin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Lurbinectedin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Lurbinectedin 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 lurbinectedin exposure, which may worsen myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity and other adverse effects of the cytotoxic agent.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Lurbinectedin?
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 strong CYP3A inhibitors and use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If unavoidable, reduce the lurbinectedin dose per labeling and monitor blood counts and liver tests.
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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