Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Salbutamol
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Salbutamol: 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
Clarithromycin prolongs the QT interval, and salbutamol can add to arrhythmia risk through tachycardia and hypokalemia. Risk is higher with high-dose or nebulised salbutamol and other QT risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Salbutamol 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; Salbutamol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation, with beta-2 agonist-induced hypokalemia.
What to do
Monitor potassium and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors; consider an alternative antibiotic such as a non-QT-prolonging agent if risk is high.
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 Salbutamol
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 Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Salbutamol 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 prolongs the QT interval, and salbutamol can add to arrhythmia risk through tachycardia and hypokalemia. Risk is higher with high-dose or nebulised salbutamol and other QT risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Salbutamol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor potassium and consider an ECG in patients with cardiac risk factors; consider an alternative antibiotic such as a non-QT-prolonging agent if risk is high.
What other medicines interact with Salbutamol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Salbutamol with, for example, Arsenic trioxide, Carvedilol, Droperidol. The full list is on the Salbutamol page.
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