Does Clarithromycin Interact With Rifampin?

Miscellaneous Cytochrome P450 Inducers: Efavirenz Nevirapine Rifampicin Rifabutin Rifapentine Use With Caution Inducers of CYP3A enzymes, such as efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin, and rifapentine will increase the metabolism of clarithromycin, thus decreasing plasma concentrations of clarithromycin, while increasing those of 14-OH-clarithromycin.

Severity: Moderate

Severity basis: drug interactions section (keywords: caution). Combining Clarithromycin (Macrolide antibiotic) and Rifampin (Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)) 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

Miscellaneous Cytochrome P450 Inducers: Efavirenz Nevirapine Rifampicin Rifabutin Rifapentine Use With Caution Inducers of CYP3A enzymes, such as efavirenz, nevirapine, rifampicin, rifabutin, and rifapentine will increase the metabolism of clarithromycin, thus decreasing plasma concentrations of clarithromycin, while increasing those of 14-OH-clarithromycin.

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

Clarithromycin

Macrolide antibiotic

Brands: Biaxin

View Clarithromycin safety profile

Rifampin

Rifamycin antibiotic (strong CYP3A4 inducer)

Brands: Rifadin

View Rifampin 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 It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary.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.