Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Upadacitinib
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Upadacitinib: moderate 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, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases upadacitinib exposure, which may raise the risk of infections and other dose-related adverse effects. Labeling advises dose reduction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Upadacitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Upadacitinib belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of upadacitinib by clarithromycin.
What to do
Follow the upadacitinib label for reduced dosing during strong CYP3A4 inhibitor use, or choose a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin for short courses. Monitor for infection and other adverse effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Upadacitinib
- Abrocitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Baricitinib + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Bcg vaccine live + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Dengue vaccine + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
- Influenza virus vaccine quadrivalent intranasal + Upadacitinib Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Upadacitinib can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, increases upadacitinib exposure, which may raise the risk of infections and other dose-related adverse effects. Labeling advises dose reduction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Upadacitinib?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Follow the upadacitinib label for reduced dosing during strong CYP3A4 inhibitor use, or choose a non-interacting antibiotic such as azithromycin for short courses. Monitor for infection and other 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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