Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Rifampin
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Rifampin: 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
Rifampin induces hepatic enzymes and can substantially lower chloramphenicol concentrations. This may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Rifampin 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
Rifampin induction of hepatic enzymes (including glucuronidation and CYP) that clear chloramphenicol.
What to do
Monitor chloramphenicol serum concentrations and clinical response, and increase the dose as needed. Re-check levels if rifampin is stopped.
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 Rifampin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Rifampin 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. Rifampin induces hepatic enzymes and can substantially lower chloramphenicol concentrations. This may lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels and treatment failure.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Rifampin?
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 chloramphenicol serum concentrations and clinical response, and increase the dose as needed. Re-check levels if rifampin is stopped.
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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