Clarithromycin and Etravirine interaction
Clarithromycin and Etravirine: both prescribing labels describe an interaction that usually calls for monitoring, a dose change, or spacing the doses.
Usually manageable with monitoring or a dose change. Tell your pharmacist you take both.
What the FDA labels say
From the Clarithromycin label · effective 2026-01-01
Etravirine Etravirine: Clarithromycin exposure was decreased by etravirine; however, concentrations of the active metabolite, 14-OH-clarithromycin, were increased.
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.
Alternative antibacterial treatment should be considered when treating patients receiving inducers of CYP3A.
Ritonavir Etravirine Ritonavir, Etravirine: (see Ritonavir and Etravirine under “Drugs That Affect Clarithromycin Tablets” in the table below) [see Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] .
Since the microbiological activities of clarithromycin and 14-OH-clarithromycin are different for different bacteria, the intended therapeutic effect could be impaired during concomitant administration of clarithromycin and enzyme inducers.
From the Etravirine label · effective 2025-04-02
Antiinfective : clarithromycin ↑ etravirine ↓ clarithromycin ↑ 14-OH-clarithromycin Clarithromycin exposure was decreased by Etravirine; however, concentrations of the active metabolite, 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin, were increased.
Because 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin has reduced activity against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), overall activity against this pathogen may be altered.
Alternatives to clarithromycin, such as azithromycin, should be considered for the treatment of MAC.
CCR5 antagonists maraviroc ↔ etravirine ↓ maraviroc When Etravirine is co-administered with maraviroc in the absence of a potent CYP3A inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir boosted protease inhibitor), the recommended dose of maraviroc is 600 mg twice daily.
Antifungals : itraconazole ketoconazole posaconazole ↑ etravirine ↓ itraconazole ↓ ketoconazole ↔ posaconazole Posaconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, may increase plasma concentrations of etravirine.
Taking more than these two? Interactions stack. Check your whole list at once; it stays in your browser.
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.