Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Valbenazine
Severity: Major
Clarithromycin and Valbenazine: 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 raises exposure to valbenazine and its active metabolite via CYP3A4 inhibition, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of somnolence and QT-related arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Valbenazine 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; Valbenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
CYP3A4 inhibition increases valbenazine levels, with additive QT prolongation.
What to do
Reduce valbenazine to 40 mg daily during clarithromycin therapy, or use a non-interacting antibiotic. Monitor ECG and electrolytes in patients at risk of QT prolongation.
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 Valbenazine
- Deutetrabenazine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Tranylcypromine + Valbenazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Valbenazine Major
- Amisulpride + Valbenazine Major
- Apalutamide + Valbenazine Major
- Carbamazepine + Valbenazine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Clarithromycin and Valbenazine 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 raises exposure to valbenazine and its active metabolite via CYP3A4 inhibition, and both drugs can prolong the QT interval. This increases the risk of somnolence and QT-related arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Valbenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce valbenazine to 40 mg daily during clarithromycin therapy, or use a non-interacting antibiotic. Monitor ECG and electrolytes in patients at risk of QT prolongation.
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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