Drug interactions
Bcg vaccine live + Meropenem
Severity: Minor
Bcg vaccine live and Meropenem: 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 is a viable bacterial vaccine, and an antibiotic active against it could reduce its replication and weaken the immune response. Meropenem has limited activity against BCG, so the effect is largely theoretical.
What this interaction means in plain words
Bcg vaccine live and Meropenem 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 antibacterial activity against the live vaccine organism; BCG is generally not susceptible to meropenem.
What to do
No routine delay is needed for BCG with meropenem; vaccinate on schedule unless the patient is acutely and severely ill.
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 Meropenem
- Meropenem + Valproic acid Contraindicated
- Meropenem + Typhoid vaccine live Major
- Amifampridine + Meropenem Moderate
- Cholera vaccine + Meropenem Moderate
- Meropenem + Microbiota Moderate
- Meropenem + Probenecid Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Bcg vaccine live with Meropenem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Bcg vaccine live and Meropenem 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 is a viable bacterial vaccine, and an antibiotic active against it could reduce its replication and weaken the immune response. Meropenem has limited activity against BCG, so the effect is largely theoretical.
How serious is the interaction between Bcg vaccine live and Meropenem?
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 delay is needed for BCG with meropenem; vaccinate on schedule unless the patient is acutely and severely ill.
What other medicines interact with Meropenem?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Meropenem with, for example, Valproic acid, Typhoid vaccine live, Amifampridine. The full list is on the Meropenem page.
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