Skip to main content

Drug Interactions between clarithromycin and itraconazole

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

Edit list (add/remove drugs)

Interactions between your drugs

Moderate

clarithromycin itraconazole

Applies to: clarithromycin and itraconazole

MONITOR: Coadministration of itraconazole and the macrolide antibiotics may result in elevated plasma concentrations of itraconazole. The mechanism is decreased clearance of itraconazole due to competitive inhibition of CYP450 3A4 enzymatic activity by the macrolide agents. According to the manufacturer, the administration of a single dose of erythromycin ethyl succinate (1 gram) increased the mean peak plasma concentration and area under the concentration-time curve of itraconazole (200 mg) by 44% and 36%, respectively. Likewise, in a small number of HIV-infected patients, clarithromycin also increased the plasma levels of itraconazole. The effect of itraconazole on erythromycin and clarithromycin is uncertain, although elevated plasma clarithromycin concentrations have been reported in 3 patients treated for pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and aspergillosis coinfections.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised if itraconazole must be used concomitantly with erythromycin or clarithromycin. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience possible symptoms of itraconazole toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or headache. Alternative macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin or dirithromycin, which do not inhibit CYP450, may be appropriate.

References (2)
  1. (2002) "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  2. Auclair B, Berning SE, Huitt GA, Peloquin CP (1999) "Potential interaction between itraconazole and clarithromycin." Pharmacotherapy, 19, p. 1439-44

Drug and food interactions

Moderate

itraconazole food

Applies to: itraconazole

ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Food increases the absorption of itraconazole capsules but decreases the absorption of itraconazole oral solution. Cola beverages may increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules. Itraconazole capsules require an acidic gastric pH for adequate dissolution and subsequent absorption. Cola beverages help lower gastric pH and improve absorption.

GENERALLY AVOID: Grapefruit juice may impair the absorption of itraconazole capsules, resulting in decreased antifungal effects. In a small, randomized, crossover study, the administration of itraconazole capsules with double-strength grapefruit juice (compared to water) was associated with significantly decreased (43%) plasma concentrations of itraconazole and its pharmacologically active hydroxy metabolite, as well as delayed times to reach peak concentrations of both. The exact mechanism of interaction is unknown but may involve reduced absorption of itraconazole secondary to enhanced activity of intestinal P-glycoprotein drug efflux pumps and delayed gastric emptying induced by certain compounds present in grapefruits. Another study reported no pharmacokinetic changes with single-strength grapefruit juice. Whether or not these observations apply to itraconazole oral solution is unknown.

MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer recommends that the capsules be taken immediately after a full meal and the solution be taken on an empty stomach to ensure maximal absorption. Cola beverages may help increase the bioavailability of itraconazole capsules, particularly in patients with hypochlorhydria or those treated concomitantly with gastric acid suppressants. Until more information is available, it may be advisable to avoid the consumption of grapefruits and grapefruit juice during itraconazole therapy.

References (10)
  1. Van Peer A, Woestenborghs R, Heykants J, et al. (1989) "The effects of food and dose on the oral systemic availability of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Eur J Clin Pharmacol, 36, p. 423-6
  2. Wishart JM (1987) "The influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in patients with superficial fungal infection." J Am Acad Dermatol, 17, p. 220-3
  3. (2002) "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  4. Barone JA, Koh JG, Bierman RH, Colaizzi JL, Swanson KA, Gaffar MC, Moskovitz BL, Mechlinski W, Van de Velde V (1993) "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole capsules in healthy male volunteers." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 37, p. 778-84
  5. Zimmermann T, Yeates RA, Albrecht M, Laufen H, Wildfeuer A (1994) "Influence of concomitant food intake on the gastrointestinal absorption of fluconazole and itraconazole in japanese subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Res, 14, p. 87-93
  6. (2022) "Product Information. Sporanox (itraconazole)." Janssen Pharmaceuticals
  7. Kawakami M, Suzuki K, Ishizuka T, Hidaka T, Matsuki Y, Nakamura H (1998) "Effect of grapefruit juice on pharmacokinetics of itraconazole in healthy subjects." Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther, 36, p. 306-8
  8. Barone JA, Moskotitz BL, Guarnieri J, Hassell AE, Colaizzi JL, Bierman RH, Jessen L (1998) "Food interaction and steady-state pharmacokinetics of itraconazole oral solution in healthy volunteers." Pharmacotherapy, 18, p. 295-301
  9. Penzak SR, Gubbins PO, Gurley BJ, Wang PL, Saccente M (1999) "Grapefruit juice decreases the systemic availability of itraconazole capsules in healthy volunteers." Ther Drug Monit, 21, p. 304-9
  10. Katz HI (1999) "Drug interactions of the newer oral antifungal agents." Br J Dermatol, 141, p. 26-32
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)
  1. Cheng KL, Nafziger AN, Peloquin CA, Amsden GW (1998) "Effect of grapefruit juice on clarithromycin pharmacokinetics." Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 42, p. 927-9

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

Report options

Loading...
QR code containing a link to this page

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.

Medical Disclaimer