The use of the following drugs together with clarithromycin is contraindicated in connection with the possibility of developing serious side effects:
Cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine and astemizole
With the simultaneous administration of clarithromycin with cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine, astemizole, an increase in the concentration of the latter in the blood plasma was reported, which may lead to an increase in the interval QT and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular pirouette tachycardia (see "Contraindications"),
Alkaloids of ergot
With the combined use of clarithromycin with ergotamine or dihydroergotamine, the following effects associated with acute poisoning with drugs of the ergotamine troupe were reported: vascular spasm, ischemia of limbs and other tissues, including the central nervous system. Simultaneous use of clarithromycin and ergot alkaloids is contraindicated (see section "Contraindications").
Inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase (statins)
The combined administration of clarithromycin with lovastatin or simvastatin is contraindicated (see the section "Contraindications") due to the fact that these statins are largely metabolized by the isoenzyme CYP3A4, and combined use with clarithromycin increases their plasma concentrations, which leads to an increased risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis.There have been reports of rhabdomyolysis in patients taking clarithromycin together with these drugs. If it is necessary to use clarithromycin, you should stop taking lovastatin or simvastatin for the duration of therapy.
Clarithromycin should be used with caution in combination therapy with other statins. It is recommended to use statins that do not depend on the isoenzyme metabolism CYP3A (eg, fluvastatin). In case of necessity of joint reception, it is recommended to take the smallest dose of statics. It should monitor the development of signs and symptoms of myopathy.
The effect of other drugs on clarithromycin
Preparations that are inducers of isoenzyme CYP3A (eg, rifampicin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, St. John's wort pitted), can induce the metabolism of clarithromycin. This can lead to a subtherapeutic concentration of clarithromycin, which leads to a decrease in its effectiveness. In addition, it is necessary to observe the concentration of the isoenzyme inducer CYP3A In blood plasma, which can increase due to inhibition of the isoenzyme CYP3A clarithromycin.With the combined use of rifabutin and clarithromycin, an increase in the plasma concentration of rifabutin and a decrease in the plasma concentration of clarithromycin with an increased risk of uveitis have been observed.
The following drugs have a proven or suspected effect on the concentration of clarithromycin in the blood plasma; In the case of their combined use with clarithromycin, dosage adjustment or alternate treatment may be required
Efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin and rifapentin
Strong inductors of the cytochrome P450 system, such as efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin and rifapentin can accelerate the metabolism of clarithromycin and thus reduce the concentration of clarithromycin in the plasma and weaken the therapeutic effect, while increasing the concentration of the 14-OH-clarithromycin metabolite, which is also microbiologically active. Since the microbiological activity of clarithromycin and 14-OH-clarithromycin differs with respect to different bacteria, the therapeutic effect may decrease with the combined use of clarithromycin and inducers of cytochrome P450 isoenzymes.
Etravirine
The concentration of clarithromycin decreases with the use of etravirine, but the concentration of the active metabolite of 14-OH-clarithromycin increases. Since 14-OH-clarithromycin has a low activity against infections Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), the overall activity against these pathogens may change, therefore, for treatment MAC alternative treatment should be considered.
Fluconazole
It was reported that the simultaneous administration of fluconazole at a dose of 200 mg daily and clarithromycin at a dose of 500 mg twice daily in 21 healthy volunteers resulted in an increase in the average value of the minimum equilibrium concentration of clarithromycinCssmin) and AUC by 33% and 18%, respectively. At the same time, the combined administration did not significantly affect the average equilibrium concentration of the active metabolite of 14-OH-clarithromycin. Correction of the dose of clarithromycin in the case of concurrent administration of fluconazole is not required.
Ritonavir
It was reported that a pharmacokinetic study showed that a joint intake of ritonavir at a dose of 200 mg every eight hours and clarithromycin at a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours led to a marked suppression of the metabolism of clarithromycin.With the joint administration of ritonavir Cmax clarithromycin increased by 31%, Cmin increased by 182% and AUC increased by 77%. A complete suppression of the formation of 14-OH-clarithromycin was noted. Due to the wide therapeutic range of clarithromycin, a reduction in its dose in patients with normal renal function is not required. In patients with renal insufficiency it is advisable to consider the following options for dose adjustment: with a QC of 30-60 ml / min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%; with QC less than 30 ml / min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 75%. Ritonavir should not be used together with clarithromycin in doses exceeding 1 g / day.
Action of clarithromycin on other drugs
Antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine and disopyramide)
Possible occurrence of ventricular tachycardia of the "pirouette" type when combined use of clarithromycin and quinidine or disopyramide. When concurrently taking clarithromycin with these drugs should regularly monitor the electrocardiogram for increasing the interval QT, and plasma concentrations of these drugs should be monitored.
There have been reports of cases of hypoglycemia in the joint use of clarithromycin and disopyramide. It is necessary to monitor the concentration of glucose in the blood with the simultaneous use of clarithromycin and disopyramide
Oral hypoglycemic agents / insulin
With the combined use of clarithromycin and oral hypoglycemic agents and / or insulin, pronounced hypoglycemia can be observed. Against the background of simultaneous reception of clarithromycin and some hypoglycemic drugs (for example, nateglinide, pioglitazone, repaglinide and rosiglitazone) there may be an inhibition of the isoenzyme CYP3A clarithromycin, which may result in hypoglycemia. Careful monitoring of glucose concentration is recommended.
Interactions caused by the isoenzyme СUR3А
The combined administration of clarithromycin, which is known to inhibit the CYP3A isoenzyme, and drugs primarily metabolized by the CYP3A isoenzyme, can be associated with a mutual increase in their concentrations, which can enhance or prolong both the therapeutic and side effects. Clarithromycin should be used with caution in patients receiving drugs that are substrates of the isoenzyme CYP3A, especially if these drugs have a narrow therapeutic range (for example, carbamazepine), and / or are extensively metabolized by this isoenzyme. If necessary, a dose adjustment of the drug taken with clarithromycin should be performed. Also, if possible, monitoring of plasma concentrations of drugs primarily metabolized by the CYP3A isoenzyme should be carried out.
Metabolism of the following drugs / classes is carried out by the same isoenzyme CYP3A as the metabolism of clarithromycin, for example, alprozolam, carbamazepine, cilostazol, ciclosporin, disopyramide, methylprednisolone, midazolam, omeprazole, indirect anticoagulants (for example, warfarin), quinidine, rifabutin, sildenafil, tacrolimus, triazolam and vinblastine, Also to the agonists of the isoenzyme CYP3A are the following drugs that are contraindicated for joint use with clarithromycin: astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, terfenadine, lovastatin, simvastatin and ergot alkaloids (see the section "Contraindications"). To drugs, interacting in a similar manner through other isoenzymes within the cytochrome P450 system are phenytoin, theophylline and valproic acid.
Indirect anticoagulants
With the concomitant administration of warfarin and clarithromycin, bleeding is possible, a marked increase in INR and prothrombin time. In the case of combined use with warfarin or other indirect anticoagulants, it is necessary to monitor INR and prothrombin time.
Omeprazole
In the study of clarithromycin (500 mg every 8 hours) in healthy adult volunteers in combination with omeprazole (40 mg daily), it was reported that equilibrium plasma concentrations of omeprazole were increased; FROMmax, AUCo-24 and T1/2 increased by 30%, 89% and 34% respectively. The average pH value of the stomach for 24 hours was 5.2 when taking omeprazole alone and 5.7 when taking omeprazole together with clarithromycin.
Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil
Each of these phosphodiesterase inhibitors is metabolized, at least in part, by the participation of an isoenzyme CYP3A. At the same time, isoenzyme CYP3A can be inhibited in the presence of clarithromycin.The combined use of clarithromycin with sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil may lead to an increase in the inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase. When using these drugs together with clarithromycin should consider the possibility of reducing the dose of sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil.
Theophylline, carbamazepine
With the combined use of clarithromycin and theophylline or carbamazepine, an increase in the concentration of these drugs in the systemic circulation is possible.
Tolterodin
Primary metabolism of tolterodine is via isoenzyme 2D6 cytochrome P450 (CYP2D6). However, in the part of the population deprived of isoenzyme CYP2D6, metabolism occurs through isoenzyme CYP3A. In this population, suppression of the isoenzyme CYP3A leads to much higher concentrations of tolterodine in plasma. In a population with a low level of metabolism via isoenzyme CYP2D6, a dose reduction of tolterodine in the presence of inhibitors of the isoenzyme CYP3A, such as clarithromycin.
Benzodiazepines (eg, alprozolam, midazolam, triazolam) When combined with midazolam and clarithromycin tablets (500 mg twice daily), there was an increase AUC midazolam: 2.7 times after intravenous administration of midazolam and 7 times after oral administration. Simultaneous reception of clarithromycin with midazolam for oral administration is contraindicated. If, together with clarithromycin, the intravenous form of midazolam is used, the patient's condition should be carefully monitored for possible dose adjustment. The same precautions should be applied to other benzodiazepines, which are metabolized by the isoenzyme CYP3A, including triazolam and alprazolam. For benzodiazepines, the excretion of which does not depend on the isoenzyme CYP3A (temazepam, nitrazepam, lorazepam), clinically significant interaction with clarithromycin is unlikely. With the combined use of clarithromycin and triazolam, an effect on the central nervous system (CNS) is possible, for example, drowsiness and confusion. In this regard, in the case of joint application, it is recommended to follow the symptoms of the CNS disorder.
Interactions with other drugs
Aminoglycosides
With the simultaneous use of clarithromycin with other ototoxic drugs, especially aminoglycosides,care must be taken to monitor the function of the vestibular and hearing aids both during therapy and after its termination.
Colchicine
Colchicine is a substrate as an isoenzyme CYP3A, and the carrier protein of the P-glycoprotein (Pgp). It is known that clarithromycin and other macrolides inhibit isoenzyme CYP3A and Pgp. When co-administered with clarithromycin and colchicine, inhibition Pgp and / or isoenzyme CYP3A can lead to an increase in the action of colchicine. It should monitor the development of clinical symptoms of colchicine poisoning. It has been reported cases of colchicine poisoning during its simultaneous administration with clarithromycin, more often in elderly patients. Some of the cases described occurred with patients with renal insufficiency. As reported, some cases ended in a fatal outcome. Simultaneous use of clarithromycin and colchicine is contraindicated (see section "Contraindications").
Digoxin
It is assumed that digoxin is a substrate Pgp. It is known that clarithromycin inhibits Pgp. When co-administered with clarithromycin and digoxin, inhibition Pgp clarithromycin may lead to an increase in the action of digoxin. The combined administration of digoxin and clarithromycin may also lead to an increase in plasma digoxin concentrations. Some patients experienced significant clinical symptoms of digoxin poisoning, including potentially fatal arrhythmias. With the simultaneous administration of clarithromycin and digoxin, the concentration of digoxin in the blood plasma should be carefully monitored.
Zidovudine
Simultaneous reception of tablets of clarithromycin and zidovudine by adult HIV-infected patients can lead to a decrease in the equilibrium concentration of zidovudine. Because the clarithromycin influences the absorption of zidovudine when taken orally, interactions can be largely avoided by taking clarithromycin and zidovudine with an interval of 4 hours. Such an interaction was not observed in HIV-infected children taking a children's suspension of clarithromycin, with zidovudine or dideoxyinosine. Because the clarithromycin can interfere with the absorption of zidovudine when administered simultaneously in adults in adults, this interaction is hardly possible with the use of clarithromycin intravenouslynano.
Phenytoin and valproic acid
There are data on the interactions of isoenzyme inhibitors CYP3A (including clarithromycin) with drugs that are not metabolized by isoenzyme CYP3A (phenytoin and valproic acid). For these drugs, when combined with clarithromycin, it is recommended to determine their plasma concentrations, since there are reports of their increase.
Bi-directional drug interactions
Atazanavir
Clarithromycin and atazanavir are both substrates and inhibitors of the CYP3A isoenzyme. There is evidence of bi-directional interaction of these drugs. The combined use of clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) and atazanavir (400 mg once per day) can lead to a twofold increase in the effect of clarithromycin and a reduction in the effect of 14-OH-clarithromycin by 70%, with an increase in Atazanavir AUC by 28%. a broad therapeutic range of clarithromycin is reduced in patients with normal renal function.In patients with moderate renal insufficiency (CK 30-60 ml / min), the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 50%.In patients with SC less than 30 ml / min, the dose of clarithromycin should be reduced by 75%. Clarithromycin in doses exceeding 1000 mg per day, can not be used in conjunction with protease inhibitors.
Blocks of "slow" calcium channels
With the simultaneous use of clarithromycin and blockers of "slow" calcium channels, which is metabolized by the isoenzyme CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem), you should be careful, since there is a risk of arterial hypotension. Plasma concentrations of clarithromycin, as well as blockers of "slow" calcium channels, can increase with simultaneous application. Arterial hypotension, bradyarrhythmia and lactic acidosis are possible with concurrent administration of clarithromycin and verapamil.
Itraconazole
Clarithromycin and itraconazole are substrates and inhibitors of the isoenzyme CYP3A, which determines the bi-directional interaction of drugs. Clarithromycin can increase the concentration of itraconazole in the plasma, while itraconazole can increase the plasma concentration of clarithromycin. Patients simultaneously taking itraconazole and clarithromycin, should be carefully examined for signs of increased or prolonged pharmacological effects of these drugs.
Saquinavir
Clarithromycin and saquinavir are substrates and inhibitors of the isoenzyme CYP3A, which determines the bi-directional interaction of drugs. It was reported that the simultaneous use of clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) and saquinavir (in soft gelatin capsules, 1200 mg three times a day) in 12 healthy volunteers caused an increase AUC and CmOh saquinavir by 177% and 187% respectively, in comparison with the administration of saquinavir alone. Values AUC and CmOh clarithromycin were approximately 40% higher than with monotherapy with clarithromycin. When these two drugs are used together for a limited time in the doses / formulations mentioned above, dose adjustment is not required. The results of a study of drug interactions using saquinavir in soft gelatin capsules may not correspond to the effects observed with saquinavir in hard gelatin capsules. The results of the study of drug interactions with saquinavir monotherapy may not correspond to the effects observed with saquinarine / ritonavir therapy.When taking saquinavir together with ritonavir, the potential effect of ritonavir on clarithromycin.