Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Erlotinib
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Erlotinib: 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
Erlotinib is cleared mainly by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise its levels and increase rash, diarrhea and other adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Erlotinib 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; Erlotinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4-mediated erlotinib metabolism.
What to do
Monitor for erlotinib toxicity such as severe diarrhea and rash, and reduce the erlotinib dose if needed. Consider an alternative antibiotic.
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 Erlotinib
- Amobarbital + Erlotinib Major
- Apalutamide + Erlotinib Major
- Carbamazepine + Erlotinib Major
- Cobicistat + Erlotinib Major
- Darunavir + Erlotinib Major
- Dexlansoprazole + Erlotinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Erlotinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Erlotinib 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. Erlotinib is cleared mainly by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise its levels and increase rash, diarrhea and other adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Erlotinib?
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 for erlotinib toxicity such as severe diarrhea and rash, and reduce the erlotinib dose if needed. Consider an alternative antibiotic.
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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