Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Lapatinib
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Lapatinib: 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
Lapatinib is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4, so inhibition can raise exposure and increase QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity and diarrhea.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Lapatinib 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; Lapatinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing lapatinib clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible by choosing another antibiotic. If necessary, monitor ECG and liver tests and consider reducing the lapatinib dose.
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
Other interactions of Lapatinib
- Dofetilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Lapatinib Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Saquinavir Contraindicated
- Lapatinib + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Lapatinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Lapatinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Lapatinib 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. Lapatinib is extensively metabolized by CYP3A4, so inhibition can raise exposure and increase QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity and diarrhea.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Lapatinib?
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 if possible by choosing another antibiotic. If necessary, monitor ECG and liver tests and consider reducing the lapatinib dose.
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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