Clarithromycin and Triazolam interaction
Clarithromycin and Triazolam: 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 Triazolam label · effective 2026-07-10
Strong CYP 3A Inhibitors Triazolam is contraindicated in patients receiving strong inhibitors of CYP 3A such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, and lopinavir [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
Prevention or management Do not administer triazolam with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Contraindications (4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ].
Moderate and Weak CYP 3A Inhibitors Triazolam should be used with caution in patients receiving moderate or weak inhibitors of CYP 3A.
Macrolide Antibiotics Coadministration of erythromycin increased the maximum plasma concentration, decreased clearance and increased half-life of triazolam [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] ; caution and consideration of appropriate triazolam dose reduction are recommended.
Similar caution should be observed during coadministration with clarithromycin and other macrolide antibiotics.
From the Clarithromycin label · effective 2026-01-01
Alprazolam Triazolam Triazolam, Alprazolam: Caution and appropriate dose adjustments should be considered when triazolam or alprazolam is co-administered with clarithromycin.
Benzodiazepines: Increased sedation and prolongation of sedation have been reported with concomitant administration of clarithromycin and triazolobenzodiazepines, such as triazolam and midazolam [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] .
Triazolobenzodiazepines and Other Related Benzodiazepines: Midazolam Use With Caution Midazolam: When oral midazolam is co‑administered with clarithromycin, dose adjustments may be necessary and possible prolongation and intensity of effect should be anticipated [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Pharmacokinetics ( 12.3 )] .
In postmarketing experience, erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and thus, may increase the pharmacologic effect of these benzodiazepines.
There have been postmarketing reports of drug interactions and central nervous system (CNS) effects (e.g., somnolence and confusion) with the concomitant use of clarithromycin and triazolam.
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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.