Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Trifluoperazine
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Trifluoperazine: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death, especially in patients with other risk factors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Trifluoperazine 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.
Why it happens
Additive prolongation of cardiac repolarization (QT) via potassium channel blockade.
What to do
Prefer a non-macrolide or lower-QT-risk antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-macrolide alternative. If combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Trifluoperazine 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so the combination increases the risk of torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death, especially in patients with other risk factors.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer a non-macrolide or lower-QT-risk antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-macrolide alternative. If combined, check baseline ECG and electrolytes and monitor the QTc.
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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