Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Ponesimod
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Ponesimod: 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
Ponesimod slows heart rate and can affect AV conduction, and clarithromycin prolongs the QT interval. The combination may increase the risk of bradycardia-related torsades.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Ponesimod 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; Ponesimod belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac conduction and repolarization: ponesimod-induced bradycardia with clarithromycin QT prolongation.
What to do
Check baseline ECG and heart rate and monitor in patients with cardiac risk factors. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when possible.
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 Ponesimod
- Fingolimod + Ponesimod Contraindicated
- Ponesimod + Siponimod Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ponesimod Major
- Amisulpride + Ponesimod Major
- Anagrelide + Ponesimod Major
- Anti-thymocyte + Ponesimod Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Ponesimod?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Ponesimod 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. Ponesimod slows heart rate and can affect AV conduction, and clarithromycin prolongs the QT interval. The combination may increase the risk of bradycardia-related torsades.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Ponesimod?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check baseline ECG and heart rate and monitor in patients with cardiac risk factors. Prefer a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic when possible.
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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