Does Clarithromycin Interact With Pioglitazone?
Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride: [See Contraindications ( 4.2 )] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Contraindicated Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications ( 4.5 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.…
Severity: Major
Severity basis: drug interactions section (keywords: contraindicated). Combining Clarithromycin (Macrolide antibiotic) and Pioglitazone (Thiazolidinedione) is classified as a major interaction.
What to Do
The label advises avoiding this combination or using it only under close medical supervision. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before combining them.
How This Interaction Works
Interactions like this one can happen when two medicines have overlapping effects, or when one changes how the other is absorbed, broken down, or cleared from the body. Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic and Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione; together they are documented as a major interaction. How much this matters depends on your dose, your other medications, and your overall health.
If You Take Both Medications
If you have been prescribed both Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
From the FDA Label
Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride: [See Contraindications ( 4.2 )] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Contraindicated Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications ( 4.5 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.…
Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 0be243c6-de02-45dd-8210-cab1bbc8dfa7).
Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone together?
Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone have a documented major interaction. The label advises avoiding this combination or using it only under close medical supervision. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist before combining them.
How serious is the Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone interaction?
It is classified as a major interaction, based on the FDA label's drug interactions section (keywords: contraindicated). A major interaction can cause serious harm and often calls for a change in therapy or close monitoring.
What should I do if I'm taking both Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone?
If you have been prescribed both Clarithromycin and Pioglitazone, do not start, stop, or change either medication on your own — some medicines are unsafe to stop suddenly. Tell your prescriber and pharmacist that you take both so they can decide whether the combination is right for you, adjust the dose, monitor you more closely, or suggest an alternative.
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.
Other Clarithromycin Interactions
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine(contraindicated)
- Clarithromycin + Lansoprazole(contraindicated)
- Clarithromycin + Lovastatin(contraindicated)
- Clarithromycin + Simvastatin(contraindicated)
- Clarithromycin + Amiodarone(major)
- Clarithromycin + Atorvastatin(major)
- Clarithromycin + Cyclosporine(major)
- Clarithromycin + Fluconazole(major)
- Clarithromycin + Fluticasone Salmeterol(major)
- Clarithromycin + Pravastatin(major)
- Clarithromycin + Quetiapine(major)
- Clarithromycin + Ticagrelor(major)
- Clarithromycin + Trazodone(major)
- Clarithromycin + Alprazolam(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Amlodipine(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Aripiprazole(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Carbamazepine(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Dabigatran(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Digoxin(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Diltiazem(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Glimepiride(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Itraconazole(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Nifedipine(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Phenytoin(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Rifampin(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Rivaroxaban(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Sildenafil(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Tacrolimus(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Tadalafil(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Valproic Acid(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Verapamil(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Warfarin(moderate)
- Clarithromycin + Apixaban(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Eszopiclone(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Lorazepam(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Methylprednisolone(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Omeprazole(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Oxybutynin(minor)
- Clarithromycin + Temazepam(minor)