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clarithromycin vs fluvastatin

Side-by-side comparison of clarithromycin and fluvastatin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

major Known Drug Interaction

Gastroprokinetic Agents: Cisapride Contraindicated Cisapride: [See Contraindications ( 4.2 )] Lipid-lowering agents: Lomitapide Lovastatin Simvastatin Contraindicated Lomitapide, Lovastatin, Simvastatin: Clarithromycin may increase the exposure of these drugs by inhibition of CYP3A metabolism, thereby increasing the risk of toxicities from these drugs [see Contraindications ( 4.5 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Atorvastatin, Pravastatin, Fluvastatin: [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Atorvastatin Pravastatin Use With Caution Fluvastatin No Dose Adjustment Hypoglycemic Agents:...

Recommendation: No dose adjustment is required for fluvastatin, but you should report any new muscle pain to your doctor.

Drug Class
clarithromycin Macrolide Antibiotic
fluvastatin HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin)
Type
clarithromycin Prescription
fluvastatin Prescription
Summary
clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic that fights bacterial infections. It belongs to a class of drugs called macrolides.

fluvastatin

Fluvastatin (Lescol) is a medicine that helps lower cholesterol levels in your blood. It belongs to a group of drugs called statins.

What It Treats
clarithromycin

Clarithromycin treats mild to moderate infections caused by certain bacteria. It can treat bronchitis, sinus infections, pneumonia, and throat/tonsil infections. It also treats skin infections, ear infections in children, certain mycobacterial infections, and H. pylori infections that cause ulcers.

fluvastatin

This medicine is used to lower high cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in adults and children (10-16 years old) with certain inherited cholesterol problems. It can also lower the risk of needing procedures to improve blood flow to the heart in adults with heart disease. Fluvastatin can also slow down the hardening of arteries in people with heart disease.

How It Works
clarithromycin

Clarithromycin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. It prevents bacteria from making proteins they need to survive. This helps your body fight off the infection.

fluvastatin

Fluvastatin works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol. This helps to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides while raising good cholesterol (HDL). By lowering cholesterol, it helps prevent heart disease and stroke.

Common Side Effects
clarithromycin
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Taste changes
fluvastatin
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Muscle pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
FAERS Reports
clarithromycin
  • Drug Interaction 2,906
  • Nausea 2,214
  • Dyspnoea 1,959
  • Diarrhoea 1,937
  • Malaise 1,650
fluvastatin
  • Muscle pain 669
  • Diarrhea 371
  • Feeling lightheaded 361
  • Shortness of breath 340
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 337
Serious Warnings
clarithromycin

Clarithromycin can cause severe allergic reactions. Stop taking it and get medical help right away if you have signs of a reaction. This medicine can also cause heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation) and liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart or liver issues. Clarithromycin may increase the risk of death in patients with coronary artery disease.

fluvastatin

This medicine can sometimes cause muscle problems, including rhabdomyolysis (a serious muscle breakdown that can lead to kidney damage). Tell your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or feel sick. This medicine can also cause liver problems. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver before you start taking fluvastatin and while you are taking it.

Pregnancy
clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is not recommended during pregnancy unless there are no other options. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if clarithromycin passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

fluvastatin

You should not take fluvastatin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine can harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking fluvastatin.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This clarithromycin vs fluvastatin Comparison

clarithromycin is classified in the Macrolide Antibiotic drug class, while fluvastatin sits within the HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitor (Statin) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, clarithromycin has 10,666 submissions while fluvastatin has 2,078. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known major interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to clarithromycin can affect how your body handles cholesterol medications, though it does not significantly change the levels of fluvastatin.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between clarithromycin and fluvastatin - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.