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Clarithromycin + Ivabradine

STOP — Contraindicated

FDA contraindication on ivabradine label. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are contraindicated. Can cause severe symptomatic bradycardia.

Evidence level: STRONG

What this interaction means

Clarithromycin can dramatically increase ivabradine (Corlanor) levels, causing your heart rate to drop dangerously low. The FDA says these must not be used together.

How it works (mechanism)

Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Ivabradine is metabolized by CYP3A4. FDA ivabradine label contraindicates strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. Can cause excessive bradycardia.

Practical advice

If you take Corlanor and need an antibiotic, do not use clarithromycin. Azithromycin or other antibiotics are safer alternatives.

Timing

Follow each medication's specific timing instructions. Clarithromycin — check if it requires an empty stomach or should be taken with food. Ivabradine follows its normal schedule. Complete the full antibiotic course as prescribed.

Risk factors

Higher risk for: those with liver or renal impairment, elderly, concurrent use of nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic drugs, history of C. difficile infection, or those on narrow therapeutic index medications (warfarin, digoxin).

Symptoms to watch for

Very slow heart rate, dizziness, fainting, visual disturbances (luminous phenomena/phosphenes), extreme fatigue, shortness of breath

What to tell your doctor

Use non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotics. If clarithromycin is essential, temporarily discontinue ivabradine.

Safer alternatives

Antibiotic interactions are often temporary (duration of treatment). Space supplements and probiotics 2-3 hours away from antibiotic doses. Ask your pharmacist if timing adjustments can reduce the interaction risk.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Clarithromycin and Ivabradine together?

Clarithromycin can dramatically increase ivabradine (Corlanor) levels, causing your heart rate to drop dangerously low. The FDA says these must not be used together.

When should I take Clarithromycin vs Ivabradine?

Follow each medication's specific timing instructions. Clarithromycin — check if it requires an empty stomach or should be taken with food. Ivabradine follows its normal schedule. Complete the full antibiotic course as prescribed.

What symptoms should I watch for if I combine Clarithromycin and Ivabradine?

Very slow heart rate, dizziness, fainting, visual disturbances (luminous phenomena/phosphenes), extreme fatigue, shortness of breath

Are there safer alternatives to combining Clarithromycin with Ivabradine?

Antibiotic interactions are often temporary (duration of treatment). Space supplements and probiotics 2-3 hours away from antibiotic doses. Ask your pharmacist if timing adjustments can reduce the interaction risk.

What should I tell my doctor about taking Clarithromycin and Ivabradine?

Use non-CYP3A4-inhibiting antibiotics. If clarithromycin is essential, temporarily discontinue ivabradine.

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