Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Perphenazine
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Perphenazine: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may modestly increase perphenazine exposure. This raises the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and extrapyramidal or sedative effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Perphenazine 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; Perphenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with possible CYP3A4 inhibition adding to perphenazine exposure.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes if combined. Consider azithromycin or a non-macrolide alternative in high-risk patients.
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 Perphenazine
- Ibutilide + Perphenazine Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Perphenazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Perphenazine Major
- Alfentanil + Perphenazine Major
- Amiodarone + Perphenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Perphenazine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, and clarithromycin may modestly increase perphenazine exposure. This raises the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and extrapyramidal or sedative effects.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Perphenazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and correct electrolytes if combined. Consider azithromycin or a non-macrolide alternative in high-risk patients.
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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