Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Pomalidomide
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Pomalidomide: 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
Clarithromycin can raise pomalidomide exposure because pomalidomide is partly cleared by CYP3A4 and is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Higher exposure may increase myelosuppression, thromboembolism risk and other pomalidomide toxicities.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Pomalidomide 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; Pomalidomide belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing pomalidomide clearance.
What to do
Pomalidomide labeling advises dose reduction with strong CYP3A4 and P-gp dual inhibitors; consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If combined, monitor blood counts and signs of thrombosis closely.
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 Pomalidomide
- Deferiprone + Pomalidomide Major
- Ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + Pomalidomide Major
- Fluvoxamine + Pomalidomide Major
- Apalutamide + Pomalidomide Moderate
- Brivaracetam + Pomalidomide Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Pomalidomide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Pomalidomide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Pomalidomide 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 can raise pomalidomide exposure because pomalidomide is partly cleared by CYP3A4 and is a P-glycoprotein substrate. Higher exposure may increase myelosuppression, thromboembolism risk and other pomalidomide toxicities.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Pomalidomide?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Pomalidomide labeling advises dose reduction with strong CYP3A4 and P-gp dual inhibitors; consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin. If combined, monitor blood counts and signs of thrombosis closely.
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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