PVCs

[biker_jon]

Is it possible for clarithomycin to aggravate or increase the PVCs I experience?  I'm on 20mg of prozac daily, .05 Ativan as needed.  Prilosec 20mg as needed.  I was on amocicillin for 10 days for a sinus infection.  It didn't clear up. so yesterday I started on Clarithromycin, two 500mg tablet in the morning.  Last night and today I've been experiencing an increase in PVCs.  
Thanks,
Jon

[jkfrench]

Good to know.  I guess my doctor knows what he is talking about!
You are really a great addition to this forum.  Thanks again!
Frenchie

[Brooke_38]

Hi Jodie...

I have never heard of this. As a nurse, I am constantly refering to my drug guide before administration of any meds to my patients. The following is an excerpt from the FDA regarding a study on Claritin and the effect it had on the QTc...

In a study in which CLARITIN Tablets were administered to adults at four times the clinical dose for 90 days, no clinically
significant increase in the QTc was seen on ECGs.
In a single-rising dose study in which doses up to 160 mg (16 times the clinical dose) were studied, loratadine (generic form of Claritin) did not
cause any clinically significant changes on the QTc interval in the ECGs.

Good luck with your allergies:)

[jkfrench]

Thanks for your reply.  I've only been on the Protonix for 5 months.  I've started taking it every other day now too.  Thanks for the heads up on the B-12.

I remember reading somewhere about Claritin could prolong the QT interval.  Did you ever hear of that?
Jodie

[Brooke_38]

Hi Frenchie...

You should be fine taking Benadryl. Some of the other OTC antihistimines contain pseudoephedrine which will almost definitely cause your PVC's to increase. You should take the Benadryl with lots of water, as this can really dry you out. Typical dose is 25-50mg every 4-6 hours with a max dose of no more than 300mg in 24 hr period.

Regarding Protonix, long-term treatment may make it harder for your body to absorb vitamin B-12, resulting in a deficiency of this vitamin. Talk with your doctor if you need long-term Protonix treatment and you have concerns about vitamin B-12 deficiency

[jkfrench]

Hi there,
You seem very to know a lot about certain drugs.  I have a question about benedryl.
Is it okay to take with pvc's?  My heart is structurally normal and I have had all the tests.  I'm on 1/4 of a 25mg of tenormin to help with the pvc's and pat.  I'm also on protonix for reflux.  I was wondering about that drug as well.  My cardio suggested claritin but I'm really hesitant to take that.  Claritin (not Claritin D)  I think sometimes doctors tell you it won't hurt you (even if it does increase your pvc's) because they know pvc's aren't dangerous.  However, I don't want to deal with any more of the buggers than I have to each day.

My allergies are really acting up and I'm looking for some relief.  
Thanks
Frenchie

[biker_jon]

Thanks for help!!  Really appreciate it.  

Jon

[Brooke_38]

Good morning...

There are no reports of this medication causing an increase of PVC's. Having LQTS occur would be considered very rare if you have no family history.  You are more likely than not safe to take this antibiotic . Try not to worry yourself with this.

I hope this works for you and that you are feeling better in no time!

[biker_jon]

It's a 10 day treament.  I Started it yesterday morning (Wed).  I have a history of PVCs.  Do LQTS have a relationship with taking these two drugs?  I guess I'm a little lost on this point.  

This sinus infection has been a bugger to get rid of.  7days on the first antibiotic, 10 days on amoxocylin, and now a 10 day run with Clarithomycin.  I hope this kicks it out.

Thanks again for your response!

Jon

[Brooke_38]

I can not advise you on whether or not to stop or to continue to take medication that was prescribed to you by your Dr. I am sure that your Dr reviewed your current meds before he prescribed this to you.

In order for you to benefit from any medication, you should take it as prescribed. If you are supposed to take it every day, then I suggest you do that. The reason for this is to keep the levels consistent for to to receive the maximum benefit.

If you do not have a history of LQTS or any family members who have, you are at a much lower risk for this to occur.

Is this a 10 or 14 day treatement?

[biker_jon]

The Dr has my chart with my current meds on it.  Is this something I should consult him about?  The PVCs have stopped today, last night I had quite a few.  I can cut back on my prozac while I'm on clarithomycin.  Sometimes I only take it every other day anyways.  Will this help?

Thank You!

Jon

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

Clarithomycin (Macrolide antibiotic) is one of the drugs on the list that could prolong the QT interval in people who have long QT syndrome. There have been no reports of it increasing or causing PVC's.

You said that you take Ativan, be careful with this. This antibiotic can alter the metabolism (decreases the amount eliminated) of benzodiazapines which can increase cetral nervous system effects. Also, taking Clarithomycin while taking  Prozac (SSRI medication) can also decrease the metabolism of Prozac. Does the Dr who gave you this medication know the other meds you are on?