Clarithromycin with Methylprednisolone Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Clarithromycin
- Biaxin® Filmtab®
- Biaxin® Granules
- Biaxin® XL Filmtab
- Biaxin® XL Pac
- Clarithromycin
Brand Names Associated with Methylprednisolone
- Medrol®
- Methylprednisolone
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Dec 03, 2023
Interaction Effect
An increased risk of methylPREDNISolone side effects
Interaction Summary
Coadministration of clarithromycin, a CYP3A4 inhibitor, together with methylPREDNISolone may result in increased methylPREDNISolone plasma concentrations due to inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated methylPREDNISolone metabolism. In a study in 6 adult asthmatic patients, coadministration of clarithromycin with methylPREDNISolone caused a 65% reduction in methylPREDNISolone clearance and significantly higher plasma methylPREDNISolone concentrations.
Severity
Moderate
Onset
Delayed
Evidence
Probable
How To Manage Interaction
The concomitant use of methylPREDNISolone and CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, clarithromycin) may increase plasma corticosteroid concentrations. Use caution and monitor for corticosteroid side effects.
Mechanism Of Interaction
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated methylPREDNISolone metabolism by clarithromycin
Literature Reports
A) Six adult patients with asthma were given methylPREDNISolone or prednisone 40 mg/1.73 m(2) on two consecutive days prior to the initiation of clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for nine days. On days 8 and 9 of clarithromycin, participants again received methylPREDNISolone or prednisone. There was a 65% reduction in the clearance of methylPREDNISolone (from 369.6 mL/min/1.73 m(2) to 121.5 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). The mean residence time (MRT) of methylPREDNISolone increased from 4.3 hours to 6.47 hours and the half-life increased by 125% (from 2.46 hours to 5.6 hours) in the presence of clarithromycin. Clarithromycin did not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics of prednisolone. These results suggest that long-term use of clarithromycin in patients also receiving methylPREDNISolone may put the patient at an increased risk for steroid-induced adverse effects. The authors suggest that methylPREDNISolone therapy be switched to prednisone during prolonged courses of clarithromycin .
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.
Methylprednisolone Overview
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Methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, is similar to a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It is often used to replace this chemical when your body does not make enough of it. It relieves inflammation (swelling, heat, redness, and pain) and is used to treat certain forms of arthritis; skin, blood, kidney, eye, thyroid, and intestinal disorders (e.g., colitis); severe allergies; and asthma. Methylprednisolone is also used to treat certain types of cancer.
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This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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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.