Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Triamcinolone
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Triamcinolone: 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can markedly raise triamcinolone exposure, with reports of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, including after injections. Effects may be prolonged given the depot formulation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Triamcinolone 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; Triamcinolone belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Strong CYP3A4 inhibition reduces triamcinolone clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible, using azithromycin or a non-CYP3A4 steroid alternative. If unavoidable, monitor for Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.
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 Triamcinolone
- Smallpox vaccine live + Triamcinolone Contraindicated
- Triamcinolone + Zoster vaccine live Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Triamcinolone Major
- Aldesleukin + Triamcinolone Major
- Atazanavir + Triamcinolone Major
- Axicabtagene ciloleucel + Triamcinolone 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 Triamcinolone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Triamcinolone 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 strongly inhibits CYP3A4 and can markedly raise triamcinolone exposure, with reports of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome and adrenal suppression, including after injections. Effects may be prolonged given the depot formulation.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Triamcinolone?
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 the combination where possible, using azithromycin or a non-CYP3A4 steroid alternative. If unavoidable, monitor for Cushingoid features and adrenal suppression.
What other medicines interact with Triamcinolone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Triamcinolone with, for example, Smallpox vaccine live, Zoster vaccine live, Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live. The full list is on the Triamcinolone page.
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