Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Zidovudine
Severity: Minor
Clarithromycin and Zidovudine: 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
Reports on the effect of clarithromycin on zidovudine levels are conflicting, with some showing lower zidovudine concentrations. Any clinical consequence, such as altered efficacy or myelosuppression, is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Zidovudine 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; Zidovudine belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Mechanism is not established; altered zidovudine absorption or clearance has been suggested.
What to do
Separating doses by a few hours has been suggested; monitor blood counts as routinely done during zidovudine therapy.
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 Zidovudine
- Elvitegravir / cobicistat / emtricitabine / tenofovir df + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Stavudine + Zidovudine Contraindicated
- Atidarsagene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Betibeglogene autotemcel + Zidovudine Major
- Carboplatin + Zidovudine Major
- Cisplatin + Zidovudine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Clarithromycin and Zidovudine have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Reports on the effect of clarithromycin on zidovudine levels are conflicting, with some showing lower zidovudine concentrations. Any clinical consequence, such as altered efficacy or myelosuppression, is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Zidovudine?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Separating doses by a few hours has been suggested; monitor blood counts as routinely done during zidovudine therapy.
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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