Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Norgestrel
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Norgestrel: 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 raise norgestrel concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition, potentially increasing progestogen-related adverse effects. The effect is generally modest and not expected to reduce contraceptive efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Norgestrel 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; Norgestrel belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition by clarithromycin reduces norgestrel metabolism.
What to do
No routine adjustment is needed. Counsel patients to report new side effects such as bleeding changes, nausea or mood effects.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Clarithromycin and Norgestrel, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
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 Norgestrel
- Amobarbital + Norgestrel Major
- Apalutamide + Norgestrel Major
- Bosentan + Norgestrel Major
- Carbamazepine + Norgestrel Major
- Efavirenz + Norgestrel Major
- Enzalutamide + Norgestrel Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Norgestrel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Norgestrel 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 raise norgestrel concentrations through CYP3A4 inhibition, potentially increasing progestogen-related adverse effects. The effect is generally modest and not expected to reduce contraceptive efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Norgestrel?
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 adjustment is needed. Counsel patients to report new side effects such as bleeding changes, nausea or mood effects.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
