Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Oxycodone
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Oxycodone: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 oxycodone plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect may persist or reverse when the inhibitor is stopped.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Oxycodone 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; Oxycodone belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces oxycodone clearance.
What to do
Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If it must be used, reduce the oxycodone dose and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
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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References
Other interactions of Oxycodone
- Alvimopan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Olanzapine / samidorphan + Oxycodone Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Oxycodone + Sodium oxybate Contraindicated
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 Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Oxycodone 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 inhibits CYP3A4 and can raise oxycodone plasma concentrations, increasing the risk of sedation and respiratory depression. The effect may persist or reverse when the inhibitor is stopped.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Oxycodone?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If it must be used, reduce the oxycodone dose and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Oxycodone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Oxycodone with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Isocarboxazid. The full list is on the Oxycodone page.
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