Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Oxybutynin
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Oxybutynin: moderate 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise oxybutynin exposure, particularly with the immediate-release oral form. This may increase anticholinergic adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness and confusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Oxybutynin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Oxybutynin belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Inhibition of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4-mediated oxybutynin metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic adverse effects and reduce the oxybutynin dose if they develop. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if appropriate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Oxybutynin
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 Oxybutynin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Oxybutynin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise oxybutynin exposure, particularly with the immediate-release oral form. This may increase anticholinergic adverse effects such as dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness and confusion.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Oxybutynin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic adverse effects and reduce the oxybutynin dose if they develop. Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if appropriate.
What other medicines interact with Oxybutynin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxybutynin with, for example, Bethanechol, Clozapine, Potassium chloride. The full list is on the Oxybutynin page.
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