Lorlatinib and Clindamycin Topical: Interaction Details
AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature
Lorlatinib
Clindamycin Topical
How we grade severity & evidence
Severity levels
- Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
- Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
- Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
- Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.
Evidence grades
- Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
- Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
- Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
- Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
- Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.
What happens
Reduced CYP3A substrates exposure and reduced efficacy of CYP3A4 substrates
Interaction Deep Dive
Avoid concomitant use of lorlatinib (a CYP3A inducer) with CYP3A substrates with NTI as it may reduce CYP3A substrates with NTI exposure, which may reduce the efficacy of these substrates. If concomitant use is unavoidable, increasing the CYP3A substrate dosage may be needed1.
Why it happens (mechanism)
Induction of CYP3A substrate metabolism by lorlatinib
Literature reports
1 report — tap to read
a) Coadministration of lorlatinib 150 mg orally once daily for 15 days with a single oral dose of midazolam 2 mg (a sensitive CYP3A substrate) decreased the midazolam AUC(infinity) by 64% and Cmax by 50% 1.
Common questions
Can I take Lorlatinib and Clindamycin Topical together?
Reduced CYP3A substrates exposure and reduced efficacy of CYP3A4 substrates Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.
How serious is the Lorlatinib and Clindamycin Topical interaction?
It is rated major. Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
How quickly could this interaction happen?
The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.
How strong is the evidence for this interaction?
The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.
Questions for your pharmacist
- Does my dose of Lorlatinib or Clindamycin Topical need adjusting while I take them together?
- What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
- Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
- Is there a safer alternative to one of these medications for me?
References (1)
- Product Information: LORBRENA® oral tablets, lorlatinib oral tablets. Pfizer Labs (per FDA), New York, NY, 2026. DailyMed
Keep reading about Lorlatinib
Keep reading about Clindamycin Topical
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