Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Sevoflurane
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Sevoflurane: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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 can provoke torsades de pointes, and sevoflurane has similar effects on repolarization. The combination increases arrhythmia risk, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Sevoflurane 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; Sevoflurane belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Where possible, use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic around surgery. If the combination is needed, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG continuously.
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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References
Other interactions of Sevoflurane
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 Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Sevoflurane 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 prolongs the QT interval and can provoke torsades de pointes, and sevoflurane has similar effects on repolarization. The combination increases arrhythmia risk, particularly in patients with cardiac disease or electrolyte disturbances.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Sevoflurane?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where possible, use a non-QT-prolonging antibiotic around surgery. If the combination is needed, correct electrolytes and monitor the ECG continuously.
What other medicines interact with Sevoflurane?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Sevoflurane with, for example, Amiodarone, Amisulpride, Arsenic trioxide. The full list is on the Sevoflurane page.
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