Drug interactions
Buprenorphine + Chloramphenicol
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine and Chloramphenicol: 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
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buprenorphine concentrations. This could increase sedation and respiratory depression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine and Chloramphenicol 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.
Buprenorphine belongs to Musculoskeletal; Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated buprenorphine metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the buprenorphine dose if signs of excess opioid effect appear. Reassess when chloramphenicol is stopped.
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 Buprenorphine
- Alvimopan + Buprenorphine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Olanzapine / samidorphan Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Buprenorphine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine and Chloramphenicol 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. Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4 and may raise buprenorphine concentrations. This could increase sedation and respiratory depression.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine and Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression and reduce the buprenorphine dose if signs of excess opioid effect appear. Reassess when chloramphenicol is stopped.
What other medicines interact with Buprenorphine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Buprenorphine with, for example, Alvimopan, Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates, Olanzapine / samidorphan. The full list is on the Buprenorphine page.
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