Drug Interaction Report

Using clarithromycin together with ketoconazole can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances (for example, magnesium or potassium loss due to severe or prolonged diarrhea or vomiting). Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with these medications, whether together or alone. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Clarithromycin may increase the blood levels and side effects of lansoprazole in some people. Contact your doctor if you experience diarrhea or other intestinal problems. You may need a dose adjustment if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before using ketoconazole together with lansoprazole. By reducing stomach acid, lansoprazole can decrease the absorption and blood levels of ketoconazole and make the medication less effective against fungal infections. Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to offer suggestions on safer alternatives if you require treatment for stomach acid or ulcer while you are being treated with ketoconazole. However, if your doctor does prescribe these medications together, taking ketoconazole with an acidic beverage such as a cola may help. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with ketoconazole. Ketoconazole may cause liver damage and using it with alcohol or products containing alcohol may increase that risk. In addition, consumption of alcoholic beverages or products containing alcohol during treatment with ketoconazole may trigger a disulfiram-like reaction in some patients, with unpleasant symptoms such as flushing, palpitations, and nausea. Ketoconazole may be taken with or without food. You should avoid consumption of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or any supplements that contain grapefruit extract during treatment with ketoconazole unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of ketoconazole. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects and liver problems. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs and symptoms of liver damage during treatment with ketoconazole, such as joint pain or swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rash, itching, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine, light colored stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.