Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Colchicine
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Colchicine: 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
Chloramphenicol can inhibit CYP3A4 and may raise colchicine concentrations. Higher exposure raises the risk of colchicine toxicity including GI effects, myopathy and bone marrow suppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Colchicine 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.
Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial; Colchicine belongs to Genitourinary.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 reduces colchicine metabolism.
What to do
Reduce the colchicine dose or avoid the combination, and monitor for toxicity and blood counts. Avoid it altogether in renal or hepatic impairment.
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 Chloramphenicol and Colchicine, 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 Colchicine
- Clarithromycin + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Cobicistat + Colchicine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Cyclosporine Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ensitrelvir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Levoketoconazole Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Nirmatrelvir Contraindicated
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Colchicine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Colchicine 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. Chloramphenicol can inhibit CYP3A4 and may raise colchicine concentrations. Higher exposure raises the risk of colchicine toxicity including GI effects, myopathy and bone marrow suppression.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Colchicine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Reduce the colchicine dose or avoid the combination, and monitor for toxicity and blood counts. Avoid it altogether in renal or hepatic impairment.
What other medicines interact with Colchicine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Colchicine with, for example, Clarithromycin, Cobicistat, Cyclosporine. The full list is on the Colchicine 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.
