Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Pivmecillinam
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Pivmecillinam: 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 are traditionally thought to antagonise bactericidal beta-lactams, but clinical evidence of reduced efficacy is weak and inconsistent.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Pivmecillinam 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; Pivmecillinam belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism between a bacteriostatic protein synthesis inhibitor and a cell wall active bactericidal agent.
What to do
No routine change is needed; if treating a severe infection, assess clinical response and avoid unnecessary combination.
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 Pivmecillinam
- Doxycycline + Pivmecillinam Moderate
- Minocycline + Pivmecillinam Moderate
- Pivmecillinam + Probenecid Moderate
- Pivmecillinam + Tetracycline Moderate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Pivmecillinam Minor
- Acyclovir + Pivmecillinam Minor
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Pivmecillinam?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Pivmecillinam 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 are traditionally thought to antagonise bactericidal beta-lactams, but clinical evidence of reduced efficacy is weak and inconsistent.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Pivmecillinam?
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 change is needed; if treating a severe infection, assess clinical response and avoid unnecessary combination.
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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