Drug interactions
Cefalexin + Cholera vaccine
Severity: Moderate
Cefalexin and Cholera vaccine: 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
Oral live attenuated cholera vaccine requires viable bacteria to colonize the gut. Systemic antibiotics may kill the vaccine strain and reduce the immune response. Cefalexin activity against Vibrio is limited, so the effect is possibly smaller than with broader agents.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefalexin and Cholera vaccine 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
Possible antibacterial activity against the live attenuated vaccine strain lowers its viability and immunogenicity.
What to do
Follow labeling by avoiding vaccination within 14 days after systemic antibiotics. Delay antibiotic use after vaccination if clinically acceptable.
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 Cefalexin
- Amikacin + Cefalexin Moderate
- Avelumab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Balstilimab + Cefalexin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefalexin Moderate
- Cefalexin + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefalexin + Kanamycin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefalexin with Cholera vaccine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefalexin and Cholera vaccine 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. Oral live attenuated cholera vaccine requires viable bacteria to colonize the gut. Systemic antibiotics may kill the vaccine strain and reduce the immune response. Cefalexin activity against Vibrio is limited, so the effect is possibly smaller than with broader agents.
How serious is the interaction between Cefalexin and Cholera vaccine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Follow labeling by avoiding vaccination within 14 days after systemic antibiotics. Delay antibiotic use after vaccination if clinically acceptable.
What other medicines interact with Cefalexin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefalexin with, for example, Amikacin, Avelumab, Balstilimab. The full list is on the Cefalexin page.
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