A 64-year-old man with COPD and pneumococcal pneumonia is started on clarithromycin. He is on theophylline for COPD. What interaction is important?...

Question

A 64-year-old man with COPD and pneumococcal pneumonia is started on clarithromycin. He is on theophylline for COPD. What interaction is important?

Accepted Answer

Clarithromycin increases theophylline levels/toxicity

Answer

Clarithromycin reduces theophylline levels

Answer

No interaction

Answer

Theophylline decreases antibiotic efficacy

Answer

Start rifampicin to offset interaction

prescribing safety assessment MCQ (SBA): Theophylline–Macrolide Interaction