Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Paclitaxel
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Paclitaxel: 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 may raise paclitaxel exposure and increase toxicities such as neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy. The effect is predicted from the metabolism and transport of paclitaxel.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Paclitaxel 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; Paclitaxel belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein reduces paclitaxel clearance, though CYP2C8 is its main pathway.
What to do
Use a non-inhibiting antibiotic where possible. Otherwise monitor blood counts and for neuropathy and consider paclitaxel dose reduction.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Paclitaxel
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Paclitaxel 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 may raise paclitaxel exposure and increase toxicities such as neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy. The effect is predicted from the metabolism and transport of paclitaxel.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Paclitaxel?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-inhibiting antibiotic where possible. Otherwise monitor blood counts and for neuropathy and consider paclitaxel dose reduction.
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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