Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Tamsulosin
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Tamsulosin: 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially raise tamsulosin concentrations. This may cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness and syncope.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Tamsulosin 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; Tamsulosin belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 reduces tamsulosin clearance.
What to do
Avoid combining where possible, or use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin. If necessary, monitor blood pressure and counsel on postural symptoms.
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 Tamsulosin
- Alfuzosin + Tamsulosin Major
- Avanafil + Tamsulosin Major
- Ceritinib + Tamsulosin Major
- Cobicistat + Tamsulosin Major
- Doxazosin + Tamsulosin Major
- Idelalisib + Tamsulosin Major
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 Tamsulosin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Tamsulosin 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 is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor and can substantially raise tamsulosin concentrations. This may cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness and syncope.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Tamsulosin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible, or use a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin. If necessary, monitor blood pressure and counsel on postural symptoms.
What other medicines interact with Tamsulosin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Tamsulosin with, for example, Alfuzosin, Avanafil, Ceritinib. The full list is on the Tamsulosin page.
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