Drug interactions
Cefamandole + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Cefamandole and Heparin: 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
Cefamandole has an N-methylthiotetrazole side chain that can impair vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis and may affect platelet function. Combined with heparin this can add to bleeding risk, although the clinical effect is generally modest.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefamandole and Heparin 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
Additive hemostatic impairment through hypoprothrombinemia and possible platelet dysfunction from the tetrazole side chain, on top of heparin's antithrombin-mediated anticoagulation.
What to do
Monitor for bleeding and follow aPTT or anti-Xa and coagulation parameters. Consider vitamin K if prolonged prothrombin time or bleeding develops, or choose a cephalosporin without the side chain.
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 Heparin
- Defibrotide + Heparin Contraindicated
- Heparin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Heparin + Oritavancin Contraindicated
- Acemetacin + Heparin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Heparin Major
- Alteplase + Heparin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefamandole with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefamandole and Heparin 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. Cefamandole has an N-methylthiotetrazole side chain that can impair vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis and may affect platelet function. Combined with heparin this can add to bleeding risk, although the clinical effect is generally modest.
How serious is the interaction between Cefamandole and Heparin?
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 bleeding and follow aPTT or anti-Xa and coagulation parameters. Consider vitamin K if prolonged prothrombin time or bleeding develops, or choose a cephalosporin without the side chain.
What other medicines interact with Heparin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Heparin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Oritavancin. The full list is on the Heparin page.
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