Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Cefepime
Severity: Minor
Bcg vaccine live and Cefepime: 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
Live BCG vaccine depends on viable organisms to induce immunity. Cefepime has little antimycobacterial activity, so any effect on vaccine response is theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Cefepime have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Theoretical reduction in viability of live BCG organisms; cephalosporins have limited antimycobacterial activity.
What to do
Where practical, give the vaccine after the antibiotic course is complete; no other action is needed.
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 Cefepime
- Amikacin + Cefepime Moderate
- Cefepime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefepime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefepime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Microbiota Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Cefepime?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Bcg vaccine live and Cefepime have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Live BCG vaccine depends on viable organisms to induce immunity. Cefepime has little antimycobacterial activity, so any effect on vaccine response is theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Cefepime?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Where practical, give the vaccine after the antibiotic course is complete; no other action is needed.
What other medicines interact with Cefepime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefepime with, for example, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine, Dexamethasone-tobramycin. The full list is on the Cefepime page.
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