Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Methylprednisolone
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Methylprednisolone: 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
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and raises methylprednisolone exposure. This can increase corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention, mood changes and adrenal suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Methylprednisolone 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; Methylprednisolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 (and P-glycoprotein) by clarithromycin reduces methylprednisolone clearance.
What to do
Consider reducing the methylprednisolone dose during clarithromycin therapy and monitor for steroid toxicity. Alternatively use azithromycin, which does not inhibit CYP3A4 significantly.
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 Methylprednisolone
- Bcg vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Measles vaccine + Methylprednisolone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Mifepristone Contraindicated
- Methylprednisolone + Rubella vaccine Contraindicated
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 Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Methylprednisolone 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and raises methylprednisolone exposure. This can increase corticosteroid adverse effects such as hyperglycemia, fluid retention, mood changes and adrenal suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Methylprednisolone?
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 reducing the methylprednisolone dose during clarithromycin therapy and monitor for steroid toxicity. Alternatively use azithromycin, which does not inhibit CYP3A4 significantly.
What other medicines interact with Methylprednisolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Methylprednisolone with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Measles mumps and rubella vaccine live, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live. The full list is on the Methylprednisolone page.
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