Does Carbamazepine Interact With Clarithromycin?

Clarithromycin tablets should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment with other drugs known to be CYP3A enzyme substrates, especially if the CYP3A substrate has a narrow safety margin (e.g., carbamazepine) and/or the substrate is extensively metabolized by this enzyme.

Severity: Moderate

Severity basis: drug interactions section (keywords: caution). Combining Carbamazepine (Anticonvulsant) and Clarithromycin (Macrolide antibiotic) is classified as a moderate interaction.

What to Do

Use this combination with caution. Your prescriber may monitor you more closely or adjust doses.

From the FDA Label

Clarithromycin tablets should be used with caution in patients receiving treatment with other drugs known to be CYP3A enzyme substrates, especially if the CYP3A substrate has a narrow safety margin (e.g., carbamazepine) and/or the substrate is extensively metabolized by this enzyme.

Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 0be243c6-de02-45dd-8210-cab1bbc8dfa7).

Carbamazepine

Anticonvulsant

Brands: Tegretol, Carbatrol

View Carbamazepine safety profile

Clarithromycin

Macrolide antibiotic

Brands: Biaxin

View Clarithromycin safety profile

Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker

This information is educational — not medical advice.

This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

Questions About Your Medications?

A licensed OmniRx provider can review your full medication list and help you understand what's safe for you — no office visit required.