Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Metronidazole
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Metronidazole: 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
Metronidazole is not a recognized significant CYP3A4 inhibitor and no clear pharmacokinetic effect on clarithromycin is established. They are commonly combined in H. pylori regimens without a notable interaction.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Metronidazole 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; Metronidazole belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
No well-established mechanism; a weak effect on CYP3A4 has only been suggested.
What to do
No adjustment is needed; monitor for additive gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea and taste disturbance.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Metronidazole
- Ethanol + Metronidazole Contraindicated
- Metronidazole + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Metronidazole Major
- Disulfiram + Metronidazole Major
- Ergotamine + Metronidazole Major
- Lomitapide + Metronidazole Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Metronidazole?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Metronidazole have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Metronidazole is not a recognized significant CYP3A4 inhibitor and no clear pharmacokinetic effect on clarithromycin is established. They are commonly combined in H. pylori regimens without a notable interaction.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Metronidazole?
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 adjustment is needed; monitor for additive gastrointestinal adverse effects such as nausea and taste disturbance.
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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