Benzodiazepine
Alprazolam with antibiotics: interactions and safety
Antibiotic courses are common, short-term and often combined with chronic medications such as Alprazolam (Alprazolam). Most antibiotics do not interfere meaningfully with Alprazolam at 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, but a few classes do, and a small number of combinations are best avoided.
Common antibiotic interactions
Macrolides (clarithromycin, erythromycin) and certain antifungals can inhibit hepatic metabolism (CYP3A4) and raise plasma levels of many medications including some Benzodiazepine agents. Rifampicin has the opposite effect, accelerating metabolism. Most penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines have no clinically meaningful interaction with Alprazolam at 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Alprazolam, an antibiotic course should be reviewed by the prescriber or pharmacist for known interactions before Alprazolam is co-administered. Adjusted 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg dosing or temporary substitution is sometimes preferred for the duration of the antibiotic course.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Alprazolam during an antibiotic course? ▾
For most common antibiotics, yes. A few classes — notably macrolides and azole antifungals — alter how Alprazolam is metabolised and may need a temporary 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg adjustment. The prescribing pharmacist should review any new antibiotic against the existing Alprazolam regimen.
Will antibiotics make Alprazolam stop working? ▾
Most antibiotics do not affect Alprazolam efficacy. Rifampicin and a few others can lower Alprazolam levels and reduce effect; in those cases the prescriber may adjust the dose during and shortly after the antibiotic course.
Products containing Alprazolam
More on Alprazolam
- With alcoholAlprazolam and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Alprazolam be taken with food?
- Side effectsAlprazolam side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideAlprazolam dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Alprazolam start working?
- DurationHow long does Alprazolam last?
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