Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Penicillin vk
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Penicillin vk: 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
Bacteriostatic macrolides may theoretically reduce the bactericidal activity of penicillins. Clinical relevance is unproven for oral penicillin V in routine infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Penicillin vk have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between bacteriostatic and bactericidal antibiotics.
What to do
No action is generally needed. Monitor clinical response if used together for a serious infection.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Penicillin vk?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Penicillin vk have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Bacteriostatic macrolides may theoretically reduce the bactericidal activity of penicillins. Clinical relevance is unproven for oral penicillin V in routine infections.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Penicillin vk?
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 action is generally needed. Monitor clinical response if used together for a serious infection.
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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