Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Paroxetine
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Paroxetine: 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
Both drugs can influence cardiac repolarization, so combined use may modestly increase the risk of QT prolongation. Paroxetine has a low QT liability, so the risk is mainly relevant in patients with other predisposing factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Paroxetine 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; Paroxetine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Possible additive QT prolongation; the effect of paroxetine on QT is small.
What to do
No routine action is needed; obtain an ECG and check electrolytes in patients with cardiac disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Paroxetine
- Isocarboxazid + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Methylene blue + Paroxetine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Paroxetine + Selegiline Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Paroxetine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Paroxetine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Both drugs can influence cardiac repolarization, so combined use may modestly increase the risk of QT prolongation. Paroxetine has a low QT liability, so the risk is mainly relevant in patients with other predisposing factors.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Paroxetine?
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 action is needed; obtain an ECG and check electrolytes in patients with cardiac disease or other QT-prolonging drugs.
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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