Drug interactions
Aztreonam + Cefoxitin
Severity: Moderate
Aztreonam and Cefoxitin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Cefoxitin can induce chromosomal beta-lactamases in some Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacter and Pseudomonas, which may reduce aztreonam activity. This is an in vitro antagonism, and its clinical relevance is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Aztreonam and Cefoxitin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Aztreonam belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cefoxitin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Cefoxitin induces inducible beta-lactamase production in some Gram-negative bacteria, which can hydrolyze aztreonam.
What to do
Avoid pairing the two when treating organisms known to produce inducible beta-lactamases. Guide therapy by culture and susceptibility results.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cefoxitin
- Amikacin + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Chloramphenicol Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Gentamicin Moderate
Other interactions of Aztreonam
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Aztreonam with Cefoxitin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Aztreonam and Cefoxitin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Cefoxitin can induce chromosomal beta-lactamases in some Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacter and Pseudomonas, which may reduce aztreonam activity. This is an in vitro antagonism, and its clinical relevance is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Aztreonam and Cefoxitin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid pairing the two when treating organisms known to produce inducible beta-lactamases. Guide therapy by culture and susceptibility results.
What other medicines interact with Cefoxitin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefoxitin with, for example, Amikacin, Bcg vaccine live, Chloramphenicol. The full list is on the Cefoxitin page.
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