Clarithromycin with Darifenacin Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Clarithromycin
- Biaxin® Filmtab®
- Biaxin® Granules
- Biaxin® XL Filmtab
- Biaxin® XL Pac
- Clarithromycin
Brand Names Associated with Darifenacin
- Darifenacin
- Enablex®
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 08, 2023
Interaction Effect
Increased darifenacin exposure resulting in increased side effects
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of darifenacin and clarithromycin may significantly increase darifenacin exposure as a result of clarithromycin inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated darifenacin metabolism. Clarithromycin, like ketoconazole, is a potent CYP4A4 inhibitor. The daily dose of darifenacin should not exceed 7.5 mg when used concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin.
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Delayed
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
The daily dose of darifenacin should not exceed 7.5 mg when used concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as clarithromycin. Monitor for increased anticholinergic effects such as constipation, dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, urinary retention, and reduced gastric motility.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated darifenacin metabolism
Literature Reports
A) When darifenacin 7.5 mg once daily was coadministered with ketoconazole 400 mg, a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor like clarithromycin, the mean maximum concentration (Cmax) and mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) both increased for extensive metabolizers (EM) and poor metabolizers (PM), alike. The observed mean Cmax and AUC increased to 11.2 ng/mL and 143 ng.h/mL , respectively, for EMs. The mean Cmax and AUC for PMs increased to 55.4 ng/mL and 939 ng.h/mL, respectively. Compared to an unrelated study of healthy volunteers, the mean Cmax and mean AUC of EMs were reported to be 2.01 ng/mL and 29.24 ng.h/mL, respectively. The mean Cmax and AUC values for PMs were reported to be 2.81 ng/mL and 67.56 ng.h/mL, respectively. Similar results were seen with a dose of 15 mg darifenacin once daily coadministered with 400 mg ketoconazole .
Clarithromycin Overview
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Clarithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), bronchitis (infection of the tubes leading to the lungs), and infections of the ears, sinuses, skin, and throat. It also is used to treat and prevent disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection [a type of lung infection that often affects people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. It is used in combination with other medications to eliminate H. pylori, a bacterium that causes ulcers. Clarithromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
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Antibiotics such as clarithromycin will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.
Darifenacin Overview
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Darifenacin is used to treat an overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination). Darifenacin is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles to prevent urgent, frequent, or uncontrolled urination.
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Definitions
Severity Categories
Contraindicated
These drugs, generally, should not be used together simultaneously due to the high risk of severe adverse effects. Combining these medications can lead to dangerous health outcomes and should be strictly avoided unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Major
This interaction could result in very serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. If you are taking this drug combination, it is very important to be under close medical supervision to minimize severe side effects and ensure your safety. It may be necessary to change a medication or dosage to prevent harm.
Moderate
This interaction has the potential to worsen your medical condition or alter the effectiveness of your treatment. It's important that you are monitored closely and you potentially may need to make adjustments in your treatment plan or drug dosage to maintain optimal health.
Minor
While this interaction is unlikely to cause significant problems, it could intensify side effects or reduce the effectiveness of one or both medications. Monitoring for changes in symptoms and your condition is recommended, and adjustments may be made if needed to manage any increased or more pronounced side effects.
Onset
Rapid: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs within 24 hours of co-administration.
Delayed: Onset of drug interaction typically occurs more than 24 hours after co-administration.
Evidence
Level of documentation of the interaction.
Established: The interaction is documented and substantiated in peer-reviewed medical literature.
Theoretical: This interaction is not fully supported by current medical evidence or well-documented sources, but it is based on known drug mechanisms, drug effects, and other relevant information.
How To Manage The Interaction
Provides a detailed discussion on how patients and clinicians can approach the identified drug interaction as well as offers guidance on what to expect and strategies to potentially mitigate the effects of the interaction. This may include recommendations on adjusting medication dosages, altering the timing of drug administration, or closely monitoring for specific symptoms.
It's important to note that all medical situations are unique, and management approaches should be tailored to individual circumstances. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance on managing drug interactions effectively.
Mechanism Of Interaction
The theorized or clinically determined reason (i.e., mechanism) why the drug-drug interaction occurs.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific circumstances and medical conditions.
Where Does Our Information Come From?
Information for our drug interactions is compiled from several drug compendia, including:
The prescribing information for each drug, as published on DailyMED, is also used.
Individual drug-drug interaction detail pages contain references specific to that interaction. You can click on the reference number within brackets '[]' to see what reference was utilized.
The information posted is fact-checked by HelloPharmacist clinicians and reviewed quarterly.