Dabrafenib with Clarithromycin Interaction Details
Brand Names Associated with Dabrafenib
- Dabrafenib
- Tafinlar®
Brand Names Associated with Clarithromycin
- Biaxin® Filmtab®
- Biaxin® Granules
- Biaxin® XL Filmtab
- Biaxin® XL Pac
- Clarithromycin
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Dec 18, 2023
Interaction Effect
Reduced clarithromycin exposure, increased dabrafenib exposure and an increased risk of QT interval prolongation
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of dabrafenib and clarithromycin (QT prolonging strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) may increase dabrafenib concentrations. In addition, dabrafenib is known to prolong the QT interval. Coadministration of dabrafenib with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that also prolongs that QT interval may result in additive effects on the QT interval and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Additionally, coadministration of clarithromycin and dabrafenib may also reduce clarithromycin plasma concentrations and potential loss of efficacy of clarithromycin . Avoid concomitant use. If coadministration is necessary, monitor the patient closely for adverse reactions .
Severity
Major
Onset
Unspecified
Evidence
Theoretical
How To Manage Interaction
Concomitant use of dabrafenib and clarithromycin (QT prolonging strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) may increase dabrafenib concentrations. In addition, dabrafenib is known to prolong the QT interval. Coadministration of dabrafenib with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor that also prolongs that QT interval may result in additive effects on the QT interval and increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Additionally, coadministration of clarithromycin and dabrafenib may also reduce clarithromycin plasma concentrations and potential loss of efficacy of clarithromycin . Avoid concomitant use. If coadministration is necessary, monitor the patient closely for adverse reactions .
Mechanism Of Interaction
Induction of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of clarithromycin; inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of dabrafenib; additive QT interval prolongation
Literature Reports
A) In a drug interaction study, coadministration of dabrafenib 75 mg twice daily and the strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole 400 mg once daily for 4 days increased dabrafenib AUC by 71% and the AUC of its metabolites, hydroxy-dabrafenib and desmethyl-dabrafenib, by 82% and 68%, respectively .
Dabrafenib Overview
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Dabrafenib is used alone or in combination with trametinib (Mekinist) to treat a certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that cannot be treated with surgery or that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used along with trametinib to treat and prevent the return of a certain type of melanoma after surgery to remove it and any affected lymph nodes. Dabrafenib is also used in combination with trametinib to treat a certain type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or to other parts of the body that has not responded to previous treatment(s). Dabrafenib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals cancer cells to multiply. This helps stop the spread of cancer cells.
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.
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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.