Drug interactions
Cefepime + Warfarin
Severity: Moderate
Cefepime and Warfarin: 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
Some cephalosporins can raise the INR in patients taking warfarin and increase bleeding risk. Cefepime has been reported to affect coagulation, particularly in ill or malnourished patients on prolonged courses.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefepime and Warfarin 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.
Cefepime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Probable reduction of vitamin K-producing gut flora and possible effects on vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis; not firmly established.
What to do
Check INR more often when cefepime is started, during therapy and after it stops, and adjust the warfarin dose accordingly. Counsel the patient about bleeding signs.
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 Cefepime
- Amikacin + Cefepime Moderate
- Cefepime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefepime + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefepime + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefepime + Microbiota Moderate
Other interactions of Warfarin
- Defibrotide + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Warfarin Major
- Adagrasib + Warfarin Major
- Amiodarone + Warfarin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefepime with Warfarin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefepime and Warfarin 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. Some cephalosporins can raise the INR in patients taking warfarin and increase bleeding risk. Cefepime has been reported to affect coagulation, particularly in ill or malnourished patients on prolonged courses.
How serious is the interaction between Cefepime and Warfarin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check INR more often when cefepime is started, during therapy and after it stops, and adjust the warfarin dose accordingly. Counsel the patient about bleeding signs.
What other medicines interact with Cefepime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefepime with, for example, Amikacin, Cholera vaccine, Dexamethasone-tobramycin. The full list is on the Cefepime page.
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