Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Metformin-pioglitazone
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Metformin-pioglitazone: minor 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 may increase pioglitazone exposure, potentially increasing adverse effects such as fluid retention or hypoglycemia. The effect is expected to be modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Metformin-pioglitazone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, which contributes to pioglitazone metabolism, though CYP2C8 is the main pathway.
What to do
No routine dose change is needed; monitor glucose and for edema during co-therapy.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone
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 Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Metformin-pioglitazone have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Clarithromycin may increase pioglitazone exposure, potentially increasing adverse effects such as fluid retention or hypoglycemia. The effect is expected to be modest.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine dose change is needed; monitor glucose and for edema during co-therapy.
What other medicines interact with Metformin-pioglitazone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Metformin-pioglitazone with, for example, Contrast media, Diatrizoate meglumine / diatrizoate, Diatrizoate. The full list is on the Metformin-pioglitazone page.
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