Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Pitolisant
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Pitolisant: 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 may raise pitolisant exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Pitolisant 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; Pitolisant belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, with CYP3A4 inhibition potentially increasing pitolisant levels.
What to do
Avoid the combination and choose an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
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 Pitolisant
- Alfuzosin + Pitolisant Major
- Amiodarone + Pitolisant Major
- Amisulpride + Pitolisant Major
- Anagrelide + Pitolisant Major
- Asenapine + Pitolisant Major
- Bupropion + Pitolisant Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Pitolisant 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 may raise pitolisant exposure, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Pitolisant?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination and choose an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, obtain an ECG and correct electrolytes.
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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