Drug interactions
Clarithromycin + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Clarithromycin and Zolpidem: moderate 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, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, may increase zolpidem exposure and its sedative effects. Next-day impairment and falls are the main concerns, especially in older adults.
What this interaction means in plain words
Clarithromycin and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated zolpidem metabolism by clarithromycin.
What to do
Monitor for excessive sedation and consider starting with a lower zolpidem dose, particularly in elderly patients, during the antibiotic course.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Clarithromycin with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Clarithromycin and Zolpidem can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Clarithromycin, a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, may increase zolpidem exposure and its sedative effects. Next-day impairment and falls are the main concerns, especially in older adults.
How serious is the interaction between Clarithromycin and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for excessive sedation and consider starting with a lower zolpidem dose, particularly in elderly patients, during the antibiotic course.
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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