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Is Clarithromycin The Right Medication For Vertigo?
Question: I have been diagnosed with Vertigo. My ENT prescribed Clarithromycin (500mg 2tid). I also take Dilitiazem - which I understand does not "play" well with Clarithromycin. I have been experiencing episodes of light-headedness, occasional mild faintness. My 10 day regimen if Clarithromycin ended within the last 24 hours. What is a reasonable time to expect before the dizziness/lightheadedness to calm down?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Review your medication for vertigo with your specialist. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic and not an anti-vertigo medication.
2. Diltiazem is a vasodilator and my cause light-headedness and dizziness.
3. Avoid sudden change of position such as when getting up or sitting up from laying down position.
4. Any drug interaction between the two is not expected to last more than 24 hours.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Review your medication for vertigo with your specialist. Clarithromycin is an antibiotic and not an anti-vertigo medication.
2. Diltiazem is a vasodilator and my cause light-headedness and dizziness.
3. Avoid sudden change of position such as when getting up or sitting up from laying down position.
4. Any drug interaction between the two is not expected to last more than 24 hours.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I know - but the Clarithromycin was prescribed to treat an inner-ear infection which is often a cause of vertigo. My question has to do with the INTERACTIVITY between Clarithromycin and Diltiazem (which I have been taking for many years and whose side effects, PER SE, have long since ceased to be an issue). In what way do the two enhance or degrade each other. Clarithromycin can also cause dizziness and nausea. So, it seems as though the two are indeed creating some havoc here. What is your opinion of this?
Brief Answer:
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, Clarithromycin and Diltiazem do interact as they share a common metabolic pathway, increasing their side effects.
2. Discontinuation of the Clarithromycin should suffice.
3. If the vertigo does not subside in a couple of days, a search for other common reasons (at your age) must be made.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
As below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. Yes, Clarithromycin and Diltiazem do interact as they share a common metabolic pathway, increasing their side effects.
2. Discontinuation of the Clarithromycin should suffice.
3. If the vertigo does not subside in a couple of days, a search for other common reasons (at your age) must be made.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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