Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Zaleplon
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Zaleplon: 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
Zaleplon is mainly metabolized by aldehyde oxidase with a smaller CYP3A4 contribution, so clarithromycin may modestly raise its levels. This can increase sedation and psychomotor impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Zaleplon 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; Zaleplon belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of the CYP3A4 pathway of zaleplon metabolism by clarithromycin.
What to do
Usually no dose change is needed; counsel patients about increased drowsiness and consider a lower zaleplon dose in older or frail 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 Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Zaleplon
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Sodium oxybate + Zaleplon Contraindicated
- Brexanolone + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine long-acting + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine subdermal implant + Zaleplon Major
- Buprenorphine transdermal + Zaleplon Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Zaleplon have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Zaleplon is mainly metabolized by aldehyde oxidase with a smaller CYP3A4 contribution, so clarithromycin may modestly raise its levels. This can increase sedation and psychomotor impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Zaleplon?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Usually no dose change is needed; counsel patients about increased drowsiness and consider a lower zaleplon dose in older or frail patients.
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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