Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Mefloquine
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Mefloquine: 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
Mefloquine is metabolized by CYP3A4, so inhibition may raise levels and increase neuropsychiatric and cardiac adverse effects. Its long half-life prolongs the period of risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Mefloquine 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; Mefloquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4, reducing mefloquine clearance.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic or antimalarial if possible. Otherwise monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms, dizziness and ECG changes.
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 Mefloquine
- Arsenic trioxide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Levoketoconazole + Mefloquine Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Nilotinib Contraindicated
- Mefloquine + Pimozide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Mefloquine 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. Mefloquine is metabolized by CYP3A4, so inhibition may raise levels and increase neuropsychiatric and cardiac adverse effects. Its long half-life prolongs the period of risk.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Mefloquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic or antimalarial if possible. Otherwise monitor for neuropsychiatric symptoms, dizziness and ECG changes.
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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