Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Ritonavir
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Ritonavir: 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
Ritonavir is a CYP3A4 substrate, and chloramphenicol may raise its concentrations. Chloramphenicol's own clearance may also be altered by ritonavir, and both agents can cause adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and GI intolerance.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Ritonavir 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; Ritonavir belongs to Anti Virals.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4, reducing ritonavir metabolism.
What to do
Monitor liver function, and the blood counts that chloramphenicol can affect, if co-administered. Use an alternative antibiotic when practical.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chloramphenicol and Ritonavir, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Other interactions of Ritonavir
- Alfuzosin + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Avanafil + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Colchicine + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Dronedarone + Ritonavir Contraindicated
- Eletriptan + Ritonavir Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Ritonavir?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Ritonavir 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. Ritonavir is a CYP3A4 substrate, and chloramphenicol may raise its concentrations. Chloramphenicol's own clearance may also be altered by ritonavir, and both agents can cause adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and GI intolerance.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Ritonavir?
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, and the blood counts that chloramphenicol can affect, if co-administered. Use an alternative antibiotic when practical.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
