🛑

Clarithromycin + Lurasidone

STOP — Contraindicated

FDA contraindication on lurasidone label. Do not co-administer with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

Evidence level: STRONG

What this interaction means

Clarithromycin is contraindicated with lurasidone (Latuda) because it can increase lurasidone levels in your blood by up to 9 times, causing serious side effects.

How it works (mechanism)

Clarithromycin is a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Lurasidone is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. Co-administration is contraindicated on FDA lurasidone label. Can increase lurasidone exposure 9-fold.

Practical advice

Do not take Latuda with clarithromycin. Use an alternative antibiotic. If no alternative exists, lurasidone may need to be temporarily held.

Timing

Follow each medication's specific timing instructions. Clarithromycin — check if it requires an empty stomach or should be taken with food. Lurasidone 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

Extreme drowsiness, muscle stiffness, restlessness, involuntary movements, dizziness, rapid heartbeat

What to tell your doctor

Use alternative antibiotics (azithromycin). If strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, temporarily discontinue lurasidone.

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 Lurasidone together?

Clarithromycin is contraindicated with lurasidone (Latuda) because it can increase lurasidone levels in your blood by up to 9 times, causing serious side effects.

When should I take Clarithromycin vs Lurasidone?

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

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

Extreme drowsiness, muscle stiffness, restlessness, involuntary movements, dizziness, rapid heartbeat

Are there safer alternatives to combining Clarithromycin with Lurasidone?

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 Lurasidone?

Use alternative antibiotics (azithromycin). If strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is unavoidable, temporarily discontinue lurasidone.

Explore more interactions

Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).