Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Doxorubicin
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Doxorubicin: 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 may modestly raise doxorubicin exposure by inhibiting CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein-related clearance, and both agents can suppress the bone marrow. This may increase myelosuppression and possibly cardiotoxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Doxorubicin 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; Doxorubicin belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Possible CYP3A4 inhibition by chloramphenicol combined with additive bone marrow suppression.
What to do
Monitor complete blood counts closely and watch for cardiac toxicity. Choose another antibiotic if feasible.
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 Doxorubicin
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Doxorubicin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Doxorubicin 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 may modestly raise doxorubicin exposure by inhibiting CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein-related clearance, and both agents can suppress the bone marrow. This may increase myelosuppression and possibly cardiotoxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Doxorubicin?
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 counts closely and watch for cardiac toxicity. Choose another antibiotic if feasible.
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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