Drug interactions
Cefuroxime + Warfarin
Severity: Moderate
Cefuroxime 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
Cephalosporins, including cefuroxime, have been associated with increased INR and bleeding in patients taking warfarin, though reports are inconsistent. Acute infection itself and reduced intake also affect anticoagulation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Cefuroxime 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.
Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial; Warfarin belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Probably reduced vitamin K-producing gut flora, with the exact mechanism not fully established.
What to do
Check INR within a few days of starting cefuroxime and again after finishing the course. Reduce the warfarin dose if the INR rises, and counsel the patient on 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 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 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 Cefuroxime with Warfarin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Cefuroxime 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. Cephalosporins, including cefuroxime, have been associated with increased INR and bleeding in patients taking warfarin, though reports are inconsistent. Acute infection itself and reduced intake also affect anticoagulation.
How serious is the interaction between Cefuroxime 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 within a few days of starting cefuroxime and again after finishing the course. Reduce the warfarin dose if the INR rises, and counsel the patient on bleeding signs.
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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