Drug Interactions between amoxicillin / clarithromycin / lansoprazole and Duragal-S

CONTRAINDICATED: Coadministration with certain macrolide antibiotics may significantly increase the plasma concentrations of ergot derivatives. The mechanism is macrolide inhibition of CYP450 3A4, the isoenzyme responsible for the metabolic clearance of ergotamine and related drugs. Macrolides that may significantly inhibit CYP450 3A4 include clarithromycin, erythromycin and troleandomycin, and clinical ergotism has been reported in patients receiving ergotamine or dihydroergotamine with these agents. Azithromycin and dirithromycin are generally believed to have little, if any, effect on CYP450 3A4.

MANAGEMENT: Given the potential for ergot toxicity characterized by peripheral vasospasm, ischemia, thrombosis, tachycardia and hypertension, concomitant use of ergot derivatives with clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin is considered contraindicated. Although clinical data have not been reported, some manufacturers also consider the combination of cabergoline with macrolides contraindicated or to be avoided on theoretical grounds. Azithromycin may be a safer alternative during therapy with ergot derivatives.

Switch to consumer interaction data

MONITOR: Coadministration with inducers of CYP450 3A4 may decrease the plasma concentrations of ergot alkaloids, which are substrates of the isoenzyme.

MANAGEMENT: The potential for diminished pharmacologic effects of ergot alkaloids should be considered during coadministration with CYP450 3A4 inducers. Alternative treatments may be required if an interaction is suspected.

Switch to consumer interaction data

MONITOR: Coadministration with clarithromycin may increase the plasma concentrations of lansoprazole. The proposed mechanism is clarithromycin inhibition of intestinal (first-pass) and hepatic metabolism of lansoprazole via CYP450 3A4. Although lansoprazole is primarily metabolized by CYP450 2C19 in the liver, 3A4-mediated metabolism is the predominant pathway in individuals who are 2C19-deficient (approximately 3% to 5% of the Caucasian and 17% to 20% of the Asian population). Additionally, inhibition of P-glycoprotein intestinal efflux transporter by clarithromycin may also contribute to the interaction, resulting in increased bioavailability of lansoprazole. In 18 healthy volunteers--six each of homozygous extensive metabolizers (EMs), heterozygous EMs, and poor metabolizers (PMs) of CYP450 2C19--clarithromycin (400 mg orally twice a day for 6 days) increased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of a single 60 mg oral dose of lansoprazole by 1.47, 1.71- and 1.52-fold, respectively, and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) by 1.55-, 1.74- and 1.80-fold, respectively, in each of these groups compared to placebo. The AUC ratio of lansoprazole to lansoprazole sulphone, which is considered an index of CYP450 3A4 activity, was significantly increased by clarithromycin in all three groups. However, elimination half-life of lansoprazole was prolonged by 1.54-fold only in PMs. Mild diarrhea was reported in two subjects and mild abdominal disturbance in six subjects during clarithromycin coadministration. These side effects continued until day 6 and ameliorated the day after discontinuation of clarithromycin, whereas no adverse events were reported during placebo administration or after lansoprazole plus placebo. In another study, clarithromycin induced dose-dependent increases in the plasma concentration of lansoprazole in a group of 20 patients receiving treatment for H. pylori eradication. Mean 3-hour plasma lansoprazole concentration was 385 ng/mL for the control subjects who received lansoprazole 30 mg and amoxicillin 750 mg twice a day for 7 days; 696 ng/mL for patients coadministered clarithromycin 200 mg twice a day; and 947 ng/mL for patients coadministered clarithromycin 400 mg twice a day.

MANAGEMENT: Although lansoprazole is generally well tolerated, caution may be advised during coadministration with clarithromycin, particularly if higher dosages of one or both drugs are used. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in patients who experience excessive adverse effects of lansoprazole.

Switch to consumer interaction data

Although some in vitro data indicate synergism between macrolide antibiotics and penicillins, other in vitro data indicate antagonism. When these drugs are given together, neither has predictable therapeutic efficacy. Data are available for erythromycin, although theoretically this interaction could occur with any macrolide. Except for monitoring of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy, no special precautions appear to be necessary.

Switch to consumer interaction data

Coadministration with inhibitors of CYP450 2C19 may theoretically increase the plasma concentrations of phenobarbital, which is a substrate of the isoenzyme. Some studies have reported an approximately 20% decrease in the total clearance of phenobarbital in individuals who are poor metabolizers of CYP450 2C19, although an interaction with specific CYP450 2C19 inhibitors has not been reported. Other studies have found no significant difference in the pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital amongst subjects with various CYP450 2C19 genotypes, which would suggest a minor role of CYP450 2C19 in the overall clearance of phenobarbital. No precautions appear to be necessary during coadministration of phenobarbital with CYP450 2C19 inhibitors. However, dosage adjustments may be necessary if an interaction is suspected.

Switch to consumer interaction data