Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Nafcillin
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Nafcillin: 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
Bacteriostatic macrolides have been proposed to antagonize the bactericidal action of beta-lactams, since beta-lactams act best on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence is limited and mostly theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Nafcillin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics.
What to do
No action is needed in most cases. In severe infections such as meningitis or endocarditis, avoid unnecessary combinations or give the beta-lactam first.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Nafcillin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Nafcillin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bacteriostatic macrolides have been proposed to antagonize the bactericidal action of beta-lactams, since beta-lactams act best on actively dividing bacteria. Clinical evidence is limited and mostly theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Nafcillin?
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 action is needed in most cases. In severe infections such as meningitis or endocarditis, avoid unnecessary combinations or give the beta-lactam first.
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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