Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Lumacaftor / ivacaftor
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor: 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
Lumacaftor induces CYP3A4, which may lower chloramphenicol and ivacaftor interplay in unpredictable ways, while chloramphenicol could raise ivacaftor exposure. The net effect is uncertain and ivacaftor levels may rise, increasing adverse effects such as transaminase elevations.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4 which metabolizes ivacaftor, opposed by lumacaftor's CYP3A induction, so the net effect is uncertain.
What to do
Monitor liver function tests and clinical response, and watch for ivacaftor adverse effects. Avoid prolonged coadministration unless needed.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor 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. Lumacaftor induces CYP3A4, which may lower chloramphenicol and ivacaftor interplay in unpredictable ways, while chloramphenicol could raise ivacaftor exposure. The net effect is uncertain and ivacaftor levels may rise, increasing adverse effects such as transaminase elevations.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Lumacaftor / ivacaftor?
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 liver function tests and clinical response, and watch for ivacaftor adverse effects. Avoid prolonged coadministration unless needed.
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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