Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Pentobarbital
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Pentobarbital: 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
Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may lower clarithromycin concentrations, with possible loss of antibacterial effect. The effect is greater with repeated dosing than with occasional use.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Pentobarbital 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.
Why it happens
Induction of CYP3A4 increases clarithromycin metabolism.
What to do
Monitor response to clarithromycin during prolonged pentobarbital use. Consider an alternative antibiotic if the infection is serious.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Pentobarbital 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. Pentobarbital induces CYP3A4 and may lower clarithromycin concentrations, with possible loss of antibacterial effect. The effect is greater with repeated dosing than with occasional use.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Pentobarbital?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor response to clarithromycin during prolonged pentobarbital use. Consider an alternative antibiotic if the infection is serious.
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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