Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Marijuana
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Marijuana: 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
THC and cannabidiol are metabolized partly by CYP3A4, so clarithromycin may raise their concentrations. This could intensify sedation, dizziness, tachycardia and impaired psychomotor performance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Marijuana 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.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin reduces cannabinoid metabolism.
What to do
Advise patients to expect stronger cannabinoid effects and consider reducing the cannabis dose. Counsel against driving and monitor for excessive sedation or tachycardia.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Marijuana?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Marijuana 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. THC and cannabidiol are metabolized partly by CYP3A4, so clarithromycin may raise their concentrations. This could intensify sedation, dizziness, tachycardia and impaired psychomotor performance.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Marijuana?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to expect stronger cannabinoid effects and consider reducing the cannabis dose. Counsel against driving and monitor for excessive sedation or tachycardia.
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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