Drug interactions
Buprenorphine transdermal + Chloramphenicol
Severity: Moderate
Buprenorphine transdermal 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
Buprenorphine is metabolized by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise its levels and enhance sedation and respiratory depression. The slow-release patch makes changes in exposure persist for some time.
What this interaction means in plain words
Buprenorphine transdermal 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of buprenorphine.
What to do
Monitor for sedation, respiratory depression and hypotension, and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed. Reassess when chloramphenicol is started or 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 Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Buprenorphine transdermal with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Buprenorphine transdermal 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 is metabolized by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise its levels and enhance sedation and respiratory depression. The slow-release patch makes changes in exposure persist for some time.
How serious is the interaction between Buprenorphine transdermal 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, respiratory depression and hypotension, and reduce the buprenorphine dose if needed. Reassess when chloramphenicol is started or stopped.
What other medicines interact with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloramphenicol with, for example, Adagrasib, Avapritinib, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Chloramphenicol page.
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