Rosuvastatin/Clarithromycin Interactions

This information is generalized and not intended as specific medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any drug or commencing any course of treatment.

Medical warning:

Moderate. These medicines may cause some risk when taken together. Contact your healthcare professional (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) for more information.

How the interaction occurs:

Clarithromycin may slow down how quickly your body processes rosuvastatin.

What might happen:

The amount of rosuvastatin in your blood may increase and may cause harmful effects.

What you should do about this interaction:

Let your healthcare professionals (e.g. doctor or pharmacist) know that you are taking these medicines together. Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, or discoloration of your urine. Your doctor may want to change your cholesterol medicine.Your healthcare professionals may already be aware of this interaction and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

  • 1.Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) US prescribing information. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP July, 2023.
  • 2.Li DQ, Kim R, McArthur E, Fleet JL, Bailey DG, Juurlink D, Shariff SZ, Gomes T, Mamdani M, Gandhi S, Dixon S, Garg AX. Risk of adverse events among older adults following co-prescription of clarithromycin and statins not metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4. CMAJ 2015 Feb 17;187(3):174-80.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.