Drug interactions
Cefuroxime + Chloramphenicol
Severity: Minor
Cefuroxime and Chloramphenicol: 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
Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic and may blunt the bactericidal activity of cefuroxime. This is a concern mainly in severe infections such as meningitis, and clinical evidence is limited.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefuroxime and Chloramphenicol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Bacteriostatic inhibition of protein synthesis may reduce the killing of actively dividing bacteria that beta-lactams depend on.
What to do
Avoid combining in serious infections where bactericidal therapy is essential, and choose a single suitable agent. Monitor clinical response if both are used.
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 Cefuroxime
- Aluminum hydroxide + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Amikacin + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium carbonate + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Calcium + Cefuroxime Moderate
- Cefuroxime + Cholera vaccine Moderate
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Cefuroxime with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Cefuroxime and Chloramphenicol have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Chloramphenicol is bacteriostatic and may blunt the bactericidal activity of cefuroxime. This is a concern mainly in severe infections such as meningitis, and clinical evidence is limited.
How serious is the interaction between Cefuroxime and Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining in serious infections where bactericidal therapy is essential, and choose a single suitable agent. Monitor clinical response if both are used.
What other medicines interact with Cefuroxime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefuroxime with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide, Amikacin, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Cefuroxime page.
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