Clarithromycin with Dofetilide Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Clarithromycin
- Biaxin® Filmtab®
- Biaxin® Granules
- Biaxin® XL Filmtab
- Biaxin® XL Pac
- Clarithromycin
Brand Names Associated with Dofetilide
- Dofetilide
- Tikosyn®
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Nov 08, 2023
Interaction Effect
Increased risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes
Interaction Summary
Prolongation of the QT interval and torsade de pointes (including fatalities) have been reported following administration of clarithromycin. Concomitant use of clarithromycin and class III antiarrhythmic agents may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes due to additive effects, particularly in geriatric patients. Coadministration of clarithromycin and class III antiarrhythmic agents should be avoided. Specific antiarrhythmic agents may require a washout period before starting another QT-prolonging agent. Dofetilide, for example, should be stopped for at least 2 days before initiating any interacting drug . If concurrent therapy with clarithromycin and a class III antiarrhythmic agent is necessary, use caution and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of cardiac toxicity including changes in the ECG.
Severity
Major
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Concomitant therapy with clarithromycin and Class III antiarrhythmic agents should be avoided due to the increased risk for serious cardiac adverse events including QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to medication-related changes in the QT interval. If concurrent therapy is necessary, monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of cardiac toxicity including changes in the ECG.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Additive effects on QT prolongation
Literature Reports
A) Concurrent use of class III antiarrhythmic agents, and other drugs that can prolong the QT interval, such as clarithromycin, is not recommended. Dofetilide should be stopped for at least 2 days before any interacting drug is initiated. If concurrent use cannot be avoided, cautious dosing and telemetric monitoring is advised .
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.
Dofetilide Overview
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Dofetilide is used to treat an irregular heartbeat (including atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter). It is in a class of medications called antiarrhythmics. It improves your heart rhythm by relaxing an overactive heart.
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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.