Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Oxacillin
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Oxacillin: 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 is bacteriostatic and may theoretically reduce the bactericidal action of oxacillin against actively dividing bacteria. Clinical significance is uncertain and the combination is often used in practice.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Oxacillin 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; Oxacillin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: growth inhibition by a bacteriostatic agent may reduce the killing effect of cell-wall-active penicillins.
What to do
No routine adjustment is required; in severe infections where rapid bactericidal activity is essential, avoid unnecessary co-therapy and monitor clinical response.
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 Oxacillin
- Bcg vaccine live + Oxacillin Moderate
- Chloramphenicol + Oxacillin Moderate
- Cholera vaccine + Oxacillin Moderate
- Demeclocycline + Oxacillin Moderate
- Doxycycline + Oxacillin Moderate
- Microbiota + Oxacillin Moderate
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 Oxacillin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Oxacillin 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 is bacteriostatic and may theoretically reduce the bactericidal action of oxacillin against actively dividing bacteria. Clinical significance is uncertain and the combination is often used in practice.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Oxacillin?
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 required; in severe infections where rapid bactericidal activity is essential, avoid unnecessary co-therapy and monitor clinical response.
What other medicines interact with Oxacillin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxacillin with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Chloramphenicol, Cholera vaccine. The full list is on the Oxacillin page.
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