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Drug Interactions between clarithromycin and midazolam

This report displays the potential drug interactions for the following 2 drugs:

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Interactions between your drugs

Major

clarithromycin midazolam

Applies to: clarithromycin and midazolam

GENERALLY AVOID: The macrolide antibiotics clarithromycin and erythromycin may increase and prolong the CNS effects of certain benzodiazepines. The mechanism is inhibition of CYP450 3A4 hepatic oxidation of the benzodiazepines. The effect appears most pronounced with oral midazolam and triazolam. A single dose of midazolam coadministered with oral clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily for 7 days) increased the midazolam AUC by 174% after IV midazolam administration and 600% after oral midazolam administration. Administration of midazolam via the oromucosal route may bypass pre-systemic elimination and lead to an interaction similar to that observed when midazolam is administered intravenously rather than orally. Lorazepam, oxazepam, and temazepam are hepatically conjugated and are not expected to interact. Azithromycin and dirithromycin do not inhibit CYP450 isoenzymes.

MANAGEMENT: The use of oral midazolam or triazolam in combination with clarithromycin or erythromycin should generally be avoided. Some authorities consider the use of oral midazolam with clarithromycin contraindicated. Patients receiving triazolam or IV midazolam in combination with erythromycin or clarithromycin should be monitored for excessive or prolonged sedation. Dose adjustment of the benzodiazepine should be considered. Some authorities suggest a dose reduction of midazolam during long-term IV infusion of up to 50% of the initial dose followed by careful titration. Non-interacting benzodiazepines or antimicrobials may be considered as alternatives.

References

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  2. (2001) "Product Information. Versed (midazolam)." Roche Laboratories
  3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
View all 4 references

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Drug and food interactions

Moderate

midazolam food

Applies to: midazolam

GENERALLY AVOID: The pharmacologic activity of oral midazolam, triazolam, and alprazolam may be increased if taken after drinking grapefruit juice. The proposed mechanism is CYP450 3A4 enzyme inhibition. In addition, acute alcohol ingestion may potentiate CNS depression and other CNS effects of many benzodiazepines. Tolerance may develop with chronic ethanol use. The mechanism may be decreased clearance of the benzodiazepines because of CYP450 hepatic enzyme inhibition. Also, it has been suggested that the cognitive deficits induced by benzodiazepines may be increased in patients who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that grapefruit juice should not be taken with oral midazolam. Patients taking triazolam or alprazolam should be monitored for excessive sedation. Alternatively, the patient could consume orange juice which does not interact with these drugs. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during benzodiazepine therapy.

References

  1. (2002) "Product Information. Xanax (alprazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  2. (2002) "Product Information. Valium (diazepam)." Roche Laboratories
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Halcion (triazolam)." Pharmacia and Upjohn
  4. (1995) "Grapefruit juice interactions with drugs." Med Lett Drugs Ther, 37, p. 73-4
  5. Kupferschmidt HHT, Ha HR, Ziegler WH, Meier PJ, Krahenbuhl S (1995) "Interaction between grapefruit juice and midazolam in humans." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 20-8
  6. Hukkinen SK, Varhe A, Olkkola KT, Neuvonen PJ (1995) "Plasma concentrations of triazolam are increased by concomitant ingestion of grapefruit juice." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 58, p. 127-31
  7. Bailey DG, Dresser GR, Kreeft JH, Munoz C, Freeman DJ, Bend JR (2000) "Grapefruit-felodipine interaction: Effect of unprocessed fruit and probable active ingredients." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 68, p. 468-77
View all 7 references

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Minor

clarithromycin food

Applies to: clarithromycin

Grapefruit juice may delay the gastrointestinal absorption of clarithromycin but does not appear to affect the overall extent of absorption or inhibit the metabolism of clarithromycin. The mechanism of interaction is unknown but may be related to competition for intestinal CYP450 3A4 and/or absorptive sites. In an open-label, randomized, crossover study consisting of 12 healthy subjects, coadministration with grapefruit juice increased the time to reach peak plasma concentration (Tmax) of both clarithromycin and 14-hydroxyclarithromycin (the active metabolite) by 80% and 104%, respectively, compared to water. Other pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly altered. This interaction is unlikely to be of clinical significance.

References

  1. Cheng KL, Nafziger AN, Peloquin CA, Amsden GW (1998) "Effect of grapefruit juice on clarithromycin pharmacokinetics." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 42, p. 927-9

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Therapeutic duplication warnings

No warnings were found for your selected drugs.

Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.

See also

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Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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