Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Umeclidinium-vilanterol
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Umeclidinium-vilanterol: 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 prolongs the QT interval and also inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can increase systemic vilanterol exposure. Both effects may raise the risk of tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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; Umeclidinium-vilanterol belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition raising vilanterol exposure, plus additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-macrolide agent. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, electrolytes and heart rate for cardiovascular beta-agonist 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 Umeclidinium-vilanterol
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 Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Umeclidinium-vilanterol 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 prolongs the QT interval and also inhibits CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, which can increase systemic vilanterol exposure. Both effects may raise the risk of tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
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 an alternative antibiotic such as azithromycin with caution or a non-macrolide agent. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, electrolytes and heart rate for cardiovascular beta-agonist effects.
What other medicines interact with Umeclidinium-vilanterol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Umeclidinium-vilanterol with, for example, Aclidinium, Amiodarone, Amitriptyline. The full list is on the Umeclidinium-vilanterol page.
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