Drug interactions
Cefoxitin + Clarithromycin
Severity: Minor
Cefoxitin and Clarithromycin: minor 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
A bacteriostatic macrolide may lessen the bactericidal effect of a beta-lactam in vitro. In practice, beta-lactam and macrolide combinations are widely used with no consistent loss of efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefoxitin and Clarithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefoxitin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Clarithromycin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Theoretical pharmacodynamic antagonism, as inhibition of protein synthesis limits bacterial growth needed for beta-lactam activity.
What to do
No routine change is needed when the combination is clinically indicated. Monitor clinical response in severe infections.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Cefoxitin
- Amikacin + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Aztreonam + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefoxitin Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Chloramphenicol Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefoxitin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
Other interactions of Clarithromycin
- Astemizole + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Cisapride + Clarithromycin Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Conivaptan Contraindicated
- Clarithromycin + Dihydroergotamine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefoxitin with Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefoxitin and Clarithromycin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. A bacteriostatic macrolide may lessen the bactericidal effect of a beta-lactam in vitro. In practice, beta-lactam and macrolide combinations are widely used with no consistent loss of efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Cefoxitin and Clarithromycin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: No routine change is needed when the combination is clinically indicated. Monitor clinical response in severe infections.
What other medicines interact with Cefoxitin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefoxitin with, for example, Amikacin, Aztreonam, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cefoxitin page.
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