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What Causes Low Blood Pressure After Taking Clarithromycin?

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Posted on Fri, 25 Sep 2015
Question: I am taking clarithromycin for sinus infection. Started on Wednesday. Yesterday my bp started running low and one time it was 96/46. I am on bp medicine - amlodipine 5 mg and losartan 25 mg. I did not take my bp meds this morning nor the clarithromycin. Should I stop the clarithromycin or leave off the bp meds for a couple of days.
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Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Clarithmoycin decreases the metabolism of Amlodipin

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using HCM,

I read your question and understand your concern.

Clarithmoycin has a significant interaction with Amlodipin by decreasing the metabolism of it, which makes Amlodipin stay more in blood, and so it has a much longer effect. This is most probably making your blood pressure lower, because basically means you are taking a much higher dose of amlodipin of what you need.
It is recommended that during the use of Clarithromycin to change the medicines from the same family as Amlodipin with other drugs that have no interaction.

I would say to lower the dose of Almodipin for the time you are using the antibiotic to 2.5mg. Ideal though would be to talk to your doctor and decide if he can change it to another for the time you are using clarithromycin.

Hope this is helpful.

Take care.
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. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1803 Questions

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What Causes Low Blood Pressure After Taking Clarithromycin?

Brief Answer: Clarithmoycin decreases the metabolism of Amlodipin Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using HCM, I read your question and understand your concern. Clarithmoycin has a significant interaction with Amlodipin by decreasing the metabolism of it, which makes Amlodipin stay more in blood, and so it has a much longer effect. This is most probably making your blood pressure lower, because basically means you are taking a much higher dose of amlodipin of what you need. It is recommended that during the use of Clarithromycin to change the medicines from the same family as Amlodipin with other drugs that have no interaction. I would say to lower the dose of Almodipin for the time you are using the antibiotic to 2.5mg. Ideal though would be to talk to your doctor and decide if he can change it to another for the time you are using clarithromycin. Hope this is helpful. Take care.