Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Valsartan
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Valsartan: minor 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
Valsartan is a substrate of hepatic uptake transporters such as OATP1B1, and clarithromycin can inhibit these transporters, potentially increasing valsartan exposure. The clinical effect is expected to be modest, possibly causing extra blood pressure lowering.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Valsartan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Possible inhibition of OATP1B1/OATP-mediated hepatic uptake of valsartan by clarithromycin.
What to do
No dose change is usually needed; check blood pressure if symptoms of hypotension appear after starting clarithromycin.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Valsartan
- Aliskiren + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Sparsentan + Valsartan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Valsartan Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Valsartan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Valsartan have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Valsartan is a substrate of hepatic uptake transporters such as OATP1B1, and clarithromycin can inhibit these transporters, potentially increasing valsartan exposure. The clinical effect is expected to be modest, possibly causing extra blood pressure lowering.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Valsartan?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No dose change is usually needed; check blood pressure if symptoms of hypotension appear after starting clarithromycin.
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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