Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Selumetinib
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Selumetinib: 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 increase selumetinib exposure, which can intensify adverse effects such as gastrointestinal toxicity, rash, cardiomyopathy and ocular toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Selumetinib 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; Selumetinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Clarithromycin inhibits CYP3A4, reducing selumetinib metabolism.
What to do
Prefer a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If necessary, reduce the selumetinib dose as per labeling and resume the prior dose after about 3 half-lives of clarithromycin.
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 Selumetinib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Selumetinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Selumetinib 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 increase selumetinib exposure, which can intensify adverse effects such as gastrointestinal toxicity, rash, cardiomyopathy and ocular toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Selumetinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotic. If necessary, reduce the selumetinib dose as per labeling and resume the prior dose after about 3 half-lives of clarithromycin.
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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