Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Ponatinib
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Ponatinib: 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 markedly increase ponatinib concentrations, raising the risk of arterial occlusion, heart failure, hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Ponatinib 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; Ponatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that reduces the metabolism of ponatinib.
What to do
Use a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic where possible. If unavoidable, reduce the ponatinib dose as per labeling and monitor for cardiovascular and hepatic toxicity.
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 Ponatinib
- Apalutamide + Ponatinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Ponatinib Major
- Chloramphenicol + Ponatinib Major
- Daunorubicin + Ponatinib Major
- Deferiprone + Ponatinib Major
- Edoxaban + Ponatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Ponatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Ponatinib 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 markedly increase ponatinib concentrations, raising the risk of arterial occlusion, heart failure, hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Ponatinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic where possible. If unavoidable, reduce the ponatinib dose as per labeling and monitor for cardiovascular and hepatic toxicity.
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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