Drug interactions
Cefotetan + Warfarin
Severity: Major
Cefotetan and Warfarin: major 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 has been associated with hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding, which can add to the effect of warfarin and markedly raise the INR.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefotetan and Warfarin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Cefotetan belongs to Anti Bacterial; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Its N-methylthiotetrazole side chain inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase and gut flora reduce vitamin K availability, adding to warfarin effect.
What to do
Monitor INR closely during therapy and consider vitamin K supplementation or an alternative antibiotic if INR rises. Reduce warfarin dose as indicated.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Cefotetan and Warfarin, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Warfarin
- Defibrotide + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Warfarin Contraindicated
- Abciximab + Warfarin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Warfarin Major
- Adagrasib + Warfarin Major
- Amiodarone + Warfarin Major
Other interactions of Cefotetan
- Cefotetan + Dronabinol Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Cefotetan Moderate
- Argatroban + Cefotetan Moderate
- Cefotetan + Dalteparin Moderate
- Cefotetan + Enoxaparin Moderate
- Cefotetan + Fondaparinux Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefotetan with Warfarin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Cefotetan and Warfarin can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Cefotetan has been associated with hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding, which can add to the effect of warfarin and markedly raise the INR.
How serious is the interaction between Cefotetan and Warfarin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor INR closely during therapy and consider vitamin K supplementation or an alternative antibiotic if INR rises. Reduce warfarin dose as indicated.
What other medicines interact with Warfarin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Warfarin with, for example, Defibrotide, Ketorolac, Abciximab. The full list is on the Warfarin 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.
