Hypotension induced by the concomitant use of a calcium-channel blocker and clarithromycin

In the elderly, calcium-channel blockers are the first-line treatment for hypertension, and macrolides are commonly prescribed antibiotics. Here we report a 78-year-old man taking nifedipine, diltiazem and carvedilol who presented with persistent hypotension and bradycardia after clarithromycin was prescribed. He was diagnosed with drug-induced hypotension and treated with fluid resuscitation and vasoactive agents. His symptoms gradually improved. He was transferred out of the intensive care unit 3 days after hospitalisation. Combining calcium-channel blockers and clarithromycin can cause vasodilatory hypotension. The concomitant use of calcium-channel blockers and macrolide antibiotics increases the levels of calcium-channel blockers in the blood as they are metabolised by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), which is inhibited by macrolide antibiotics. Moreover, the addition of another calcium-channel blocker and a β blocker can lower cardiac output due to bradycardia and worsen hypotension. Therefore, it is important to consider drug interactions when the cause of hypotension is unknown.

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