Clarithromycin and Esomeprazole interaction
Clarithromycin and Esomeprazole: both prescribing labels flag this combination with the strongest language, such as a contraindication, a boxed warning, or an instruction to avoid it.
Do not combine without a prescriber's guidance. The label language below is the strongest FDA uses.
What the FDA labels say
From the Esomeprazole (NEXIUM) label · effective 2025-12-19
• For information about contraindications of amoxicillin and clarithromycin, indicated in combination with NEXIUM for H. pylori eradication to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcer recurrence, refer to the Contraindications section of the respective prescribing information.
• Refer to the Contraindications section of the prescribing information for amoxicillin and clarithromycin, when administered in combination with NEXIUM.
Combination Therapy with Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin Clinical Impact: Concomitant administration of clarithromycin with other drugs can lead to serious adverse reactions, including potentially fatal arrhythmias, and are contraindicated.
For more information specific to antibacterial agents (clarithromycin and amoxicillin) indicated for use in combination with NEXIUM, refer to Warnings and Precautions section of the corresponding prescribing information.
Intervention: See Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions in prescribing information for clarithromycin.
From the Clarithromycin label · effective 2026-01-01
Proton Pump Inhibitors: Omeprazole No Dose Adjustment Omeprazole: The mean 24-hour gastric pH value was 5.2 when omeprazole was administered alone and 5.7 when coadministered with clarithromycin as a result of increased omeprazole exposures [see Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] (see also Omeprazole under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin Tablets” in the table below).
Saquinavir (in patients with normal renal function) Ritonavir (in patients with normal renal function) No Dose Adjustment Proton Pump Inhibitors: Omeprazole Use With Caution Omeprazole: Clarithromycin concentrations in the gastric tissue and mucus were also increased by concomitant administration of omeprazole [see Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] .
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Open in the checkerNot medical advice. Interaction Checker quotes FDA label text and NIH fact sheets. Whether an interaction matters for you depends on doses, timing, kidney and liver function, and other conditions. Confirm with a pharmacist or prescriber.