Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Conivaptan
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Conivaptan: 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 increase conivaptan concentrations, raising the risk of overly rapid sodium correction and osmotic demyelination. Conivaptan is contraindicated with strong CYP3A inhibitors, but chloramphenicol's inhibition is less well characterized.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Conivaptan 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.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by chloramphenicol decreases conivaptan metabolism.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor serum sodium frequently and watch for overcorrection.
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?
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Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Conivaptan?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Conivaptan 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 increase conivaptan concentrations, raising the risk of overly rapid sodium correction and osmotic demyelination. Conivaptan is contraindicated with strong CYP3A inhibitors, but chloramphenicol's inhibition is less well characterized.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Conivaptan?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor serum sodium frequently and watch for overcorrection.
What other medicines interact with Chloramphenicol?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chloramphenicol with, for example, Adagrasib, Avapritinib, Bcg vaccine live. The full list is on the Chloramphenicol page.
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