Clarithromicyn and Afib

[Tab1966]

Morning all. I've had a nasty chest infection, had 2 courses of antibiotics and now been prescribed Clarithromicyn as a 3rd just to help clear up any infection still lingering in the upper respiratory tract (my lungs are now clear). The info leaflet says not to take if you have heart rythym issues. Theoretically I dont, because Ive had my ablation and had no irregular beats of any kind for 8 weeks.I've spoken to the chemist who says its ok to take. I've also double checked with GP too who says its fine - shes never had any issues prescribing it.

I'm still reluctant to take it, just in case it sends me into Afib - especially as we're due to go to Lanzarote on monday. However, I probably still need an antibiotic as my throat is still sore, and Im concerned because if that it might backtrack onto my chest again.

But .... if I go back to GP to get a replacement I'll have to advise the travel insurer who may well decide not to insure me!! When I was awaiting the chest xray result (which was clear) they wanted to cancel.

So, anyone got any experience of this antibiotic causing problems for Afib?

Thank you!

[Blearyeyed]

Are you still taking any other medications?

[Tab1966 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Have been told to stop taking my statin whilst taking the antibiotics. All other heart meds Ok to take according to the chemist and the doctor. The chemist also said that the issue with the heart rythym is a warning for ventricular issues not atrial (fibrillation).

[Blearyeyed in reply to Tab1966]

It depends , calcium channel blockers that don't mix well with clarithromycin and it can cause irregular heart Rhythm or trigger new cardiac symptoms and hypotension by taking them at the same time so it's not advised and requires some supervision.

If clarithromycin is considered to be the only antibiotic option that could treat the infection making it potentially worth the greater risk then 3-4 hours should be left between the CCB and antibiotics.

Amlodipine, warfarin and diltiazem, Digoxin and verapamil can all interact with clarithromycin and are better not taken together.

Clarithromycin is also better avoided while taking common blood pressure medications , especially in older age groups because it can cause a build up in the bloodstream causing severe hypotension that could mean the need for medical care.

Bisoprolol may not be metabolised as well when you combine it with the Mycin antibiotics again causing potential complications.

Amoxicillin is also not advised with most beta blockers because of the risk to kidney function.

Basically, it's better not to take clarithromycin with most of our most commonly prescribed medications because the combination could bring on symptoms of require medical intervention.

I'm not going to advise you on what to do , except for possibly double checking again with out of hours whom should be able to give you an alternative.

But , clarithromycin in combo with other medications could potentially cause a new episode of various cardiac symptoms, not just aFib.

[shakenallover]

hi yes I had a chest infection and was prescribed Clarithromicyn ..within a few hours I was in AF. I then read the data sheet within the box and it said it could affect heart rhythm, I phoned out of hours GP and was told to take my pill in the pocket flecanide, I wasn't happy with that as flecanide isnt always a magic bullet in my case . So I decided to stop taking Clarithromicyn and my AF then stopped and I got prescribed amoxicillin instead from a different GP... not as effective for the infection but the better outcome overall for me. it is now on my medical notes I have not to be given Clarithromicyn