Two probable cases of serious drug interaction between clarithromycin and colchicine

South Med J. 2005 Aug;98(8):811-3. doi: 10.1097/01.SMJ.0000163315.02563.B2.

Abstract

Although colchicine is a commonly used medication in patients with gouty arthritis and various multisystem disorders, its safety margin in therapeutic use is not well understood. This report describes two fatal cases of agranulocytosis presumed to result from a drug interaction involving colchicine and clarithromycin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Clarithromycin / pharmacology*
  • Colchicine / poisoning*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Gout Suppressants / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Gout Suppressants
  • Clarithromycin
  • Colchicine