Drug interactions
Cefotetan + Heparin
Severity: Moderate
Cefotetan 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
Cefotetan contains an N-methylthiotetrazole side chain that can cause hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding, particularly in malnourished or elderly patients. With heparin the bleeding tendency may be increased.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefotetan 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.
Cefotetan belongs to Anti Bacterial; Heparin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Additive hemostatic impairment: cefotetan inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase-dependent clotting factor synthesis while heparin potentiates antithrombin.
What to do
Monitor coagulation parameters and watch for bleeding signs during co-therapy. Give vitamin K if the prothrombin time is prolonged, or select an alternative antibiotic.
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
Other interactions of Cefotetan
- Cefotetan + Dronabinol Contraindicated
- Cefotetan + Warfarin Major
- Amikacin + Cefotetan Moderate
- Argatroban + Cefotetan Moderate
- Cefotetan + Dalteparin Moderate
- Cefotetan + Enoxaparin Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefotetan with Heparin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefotetan 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. Cefotetan contains an N-methylthiotetrazole side chain that can cause hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding, particularly in malnourished or elderly patients. With heparin the bleeding tendency may be increased.
How serious is the interaction between Cefotetan 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 coagulation parameters and watch for bleeding signs during co-therapy. Give vitamin K if the prothrombin time is prolonged, or select an alternative antibiotic.
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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