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Drug interactions

Cefaclor + Chloramphenicol

Severity: Minor

Cefaclor and Chloramphenicol: 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

Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic and may blunt the bactericidal activity of beta-lactams such as cefaclor. The clinical importance is uncertain and human evidence is limited.

What this interaction means in plain words

Cefaclor and Chloramphenicol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.

Cefaclor belongs to Anti Bacterial; Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial.

Evidence level: Low

Why it happens

Bacteriostatic inhibition of protein synthesis may reduce the killing of actively dividing bacteria that beta-lactams depend on.

What to do

Avoid combining where possible and choose a single suitable agent. Monitor clinical response if both are used.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Cefaclor with Chloramphenicol?

MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefaclor and Chloramphenicol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic and may blunt the bactericidal activity of beta-lactams such as cefaclor. The clinical importance is uncertain and human evidence is limited.

How serious is the interaction between Cefaclor and Chloramphenicol?

MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining where possible and choose a single suitable agent. Monitor clinical response if both are used.

What other medicines interact with Cefaclor?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefaclor with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Cholera vaccine, Kanamycin. The full list is on the Cefaclor page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

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