Carbamazepine toxicity – keep an eye on interaction with clarithromycin

Abstract

Carbamazepine is licensed for treatment of convulsions, trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. It is used as an adjunct in alcohol withdrawal and prophylaxis for bipolar disorder. Its plasma concentration is influenced by enzyme CYP3A4 inducers/inhibitors. Clarithromycin, which is a macrolide, inhibits this enzyme resulting in an increased plasma concentration of carbamazepine.