Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Tipranavir
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Tipranavir: 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 and ritonavir-boosted tipranavir can raise each other's concentrations, and clarithromycin exposure is especially increased when kidney function is reduced. This may increase adverse effects of both drugs, including QT prolongation and gastrointestinal toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Tipranavir 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; Tipranavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Both drugs are CYP3A4 substrates and inhibitors (tipranavir is given with ritonavir), so each reduces the other's metabolism.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin where possible. If the combination is needed, reduce the clarithromycin dose in renal impairment and monitor ECG and for adverse effects.
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 Tipranavir
- Alfuzosin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Atorvastatin + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Tipranavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Tipranavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Tipranavir 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 and ritonavir-boosted tipranavir can raise each other's concentrations, and clarithromycin exposure is especially increased when kidney function is reduced. This may increase adverse effects of both drugs, including QT prolongation and gastrointestinal toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Tipranavir?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin where possible. If the combination is needed, reduce the clarithromycin dose in renal impairment and monitor ECG and for 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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