Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Palbociclib
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Palbociclib: 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 palbociclib exposure, which may worsen neutropenia and other adverse effects. Labeling advises avoiding strong CYP3A inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Palbociclib 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; Palbociclib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces palbociclib metabolic clearance.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If unavoidable, reduce palbociclib to 75 mg daily and monitor blood counts, then return to the usual dose after stopping the inhibitor for about 3 to 5 half-lives.
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 Palbociclib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Palbociclib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Palbociclib 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 palbociclib exposure, which may worsen neutropenia and other adverse effects. Labeling advises avoiding strong CYP3A inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Palbociclib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If unavoidable, reduce palbociclib to 75 mg daily and monitor blood counts, then return to the usual dose after stopping the inhibitor for about 3 to 5 half-lives.
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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