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Colchicine and clarithromycin — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardMusculoskeletal TherapeuticsColchicine and clarithromycinGPhC CRA

A 74-year-old man with gout is prescribed colchicine for an acute attack. He also takes clarithromycin started yesterday for pneumonia and has eGFR 38mL/min/1.73m2. What is the most important interaction to flag?

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Correct answer: A — Clarithromycin can increase colchicine toxicity risk, especially with renal impairment

Macrolides such as clarithromycin can increase colchicine exposure, and renal impairment further increases toxicity risk. Colchicine toxicity can be serious, including gastrointestinal toxicity, myopathy and blood dyscrasias. The prescription should be queried before supply.

Reference: BNF