Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Olaparib
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Olaparib: major 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 increases olaparib exposure, which may worsen anemia, neutropenia and other adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Olaparib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Olaparib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces olaparib clearance.
What to do
Avoid if possible and use an alternative antibiotic. If necessary, reduce the olaparib dose per labeling and monitor blood counts.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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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 Olaparib
- Amiodarone + Olaparib Major
- Amobarbital + Olaparib Major
- Apalutamide + Olaparib Major
- Aprepitant + Olaparib Major
- Azathioprine + Olaparib Major
- Carbamazepine + Olaparib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Olaparib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Olaparib can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Clarithromycin increases olaparib exposure, which may worsen anemia, neutropenia and other adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Olaparib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid if possible and use an alternative antibiotic. If necessary, reduce the olaparib dose per labeling and monitor blood counts.
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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