Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Terbinafine
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Terbinafine: 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
Terbinafine is cleared by multiple CYP enzymes, so clarithromycin is expected to cause at most a small rise in its levels. No meaningful clinical consequence is established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Terbinafine 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; Terbinafine belongs to Anti Fungals.
Why it happens
Possible weak reduction in terbinafine metabolism via CYP3A4 inhibition.
What to do
No dose adjustment is needed. Be aware of increased gastrointestinal or hepatic adverse effects.
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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Terbinafine
- Terbinafine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Desipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Eliglustat + Terbinafine Major
- Flecainide + Terbinafine Major
- Imipramine + Terbinafine Major
- Maprotiline + Terbinafine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Terbinafine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Terbinafine is cleared by multiple CYP enzymes, so clarithromycin is expected to cause at most a small rise in its levels. No meaningful clinical consequence is established.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Terbinafine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose adjustment is needed. Be aware of increased gastrointestinal or hepatic adverse effects.
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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