Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Roflumilast
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Roflumilast: 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase exposure to roflumilast and its active metabolite. This may increase adverse effects such as diarrhea, weight loss, headache and psychiatric symptoms.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Roflumilast 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; Roflumilast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of roflumilast.
What to do
Monitor for roflumilast adverse effects during the antibiotic course, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if a problem occurs.
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 Roflumilast
Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Roflumilast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Roflumilast 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and may increase exposure to roflumilast and its active metabolite. This may increase adverse effects such as diarrhea, weight loss, headache and psychiatric symptoms.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Roflumilast?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for roflumilast adverse effects during the antibiotic course, and consider an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin if a problem occurs.
What other medicines interact with Roflumilast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Roflumilast with, for example, Apalutamide, Carbamazepine, Efavirenz. The full list is on the Roflumilast page.
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