Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Zafirlukast
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Zafirlukast: 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
Zafirlukast is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may slightly raise clarithromycin levels. Clarithromycin may in turn affect zafirlukast, but the overall clinical effect is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Zafirlukast 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; Zafirlukast belongs to Respiratory.
Why it happens
Weak CYP3A4 inhibition by zafirlukast may reduce clarithromycin metabolism.
What to do
No adjustment is generally needed; monitor for GI upset or QT-related symptoms in at-risk patients.
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 Zafirlukast
- Pimozide + Zafirlukast Contraindicated
- Lomitapide + Zafirlukast Major
- Nilotinib + Zafirlukast Major
- Warfarin + Zafirlukast Major
- Apalutamide + Zafirlukast Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Zafirlukast Moderate
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 Zafirlukast?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Zafirlukast have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Zafirlukast is a weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and may slightly raise clarithromycin levels. Clarithromycin may in turn affect zafirlukast, but the overall clinical effect is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Zafirlukast?
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 adjustment is generally needed; monitor for GI upset or QT-related symptoms in at-risk patients.
What other medicines interact with Zafirlukast?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Zafirlukast with, for example, Pimozide, Lomitapide, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Zafirlukast page.
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