Drug interactions
Balsalazide + Vancomycin
Severity: Minor
Balsalazide and Vancomycin: minor 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
Balsalazide depends on colonic bacteria to release mesalamine. Oral vancomycin stays in the gut and can alter colonic flora, which may reduce activation of the prodrug. Clinical significance is uncertain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Balsalazide and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Balsalazide belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract; Vancomycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Oral vancomycin may suppress colonic bacteria that cleave balsalazide into mesalamine.
What to do
No routine change is needed. Monitor for reduced colitis control during an oral vancomycin course.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Balsalazide
Other interactions of Vancomycin
- Amikacin + Vancomycin Major
- Bacitracin + Vancomycin Major
- Capreomycin + Vancomycin Major
- Cephaloridine + Vancomycin Major
- Cidofovir + Vancomycin Major
- Cisplatin + Vancomycin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Balsalazide with Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Balsalazide and Vancomycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Balsalazide depends on colonic bacteria to release mesalamine. Oral vancomycin stays in the gut and can alter colonic flora, which may reduce activation of the prodrug. Clinical significance is uncertain.
How serious is the interaction between Balsalazide and Vancomycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed. Monitor for reduced colitis control during an oral vancomycin course.
What other medicines interact with Balsalazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Balsalazide with, for example, Measles mumps rubella and varicella vaccine live, Varicella virus vaccine live, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Balsalazide page.
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