Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Cyanocobalamin
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Cyanocobalamin: 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
Chloramphenicol can suppress bone marrow activity and may blunt the hematologic response to vitamin B12 in patients being treated for deficiency anemia. The reticulocyte response may be delayed or reduced.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Cyanocobalamin 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.
Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cyanocobalamin belongs to Miscellaneous.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits mitochondrial protein synthesis in erythroid precursors, opposing the hematopoietic response to cyanocobalamin.
What to do
Monitor complete blood count and reticulocyte response in patients receiving cyanocobalamin for anemia. Avoid chloramphenicol where an alternative antibiotic is suitable.
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 Chloramphenicol
Other interactions of Cyanocobalamin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Cyanocobalamin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Cyanocobalamin 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. Chloramphenicol can suppress bone marrow activity and may blunt the hematologic response to vitamin B12 in patients being treated for deficiency anemia. The reticulocyte response may be delayed or reduced.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Cyanocobalamin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor complete blood count and reticulocyte response in patients receiving cyanocobalamin for anemia. Avoid chloramphenicol where an alternative antibiotic is suitable.
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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