Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid: 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
Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug activated by colonic bacteria. Oral antibiotics that alter colonic flora may reduce activation and bowel-cleansing efficacy.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid 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
Antibiotic suppression of colonic bacteria reduces conversion of picosulfate to its active laxative metabolite.
What to do
Consider whether the antibiotic can be paused or completed before bowel preparation. Confirm the bowel preparation quality and consider an alternative regimen if cleansing is inadequate.
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 Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid 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. Sodium picosulfate is a prodrug activated by colonic bacteria. Oral antibiotics that alter colonic flora may reduce activation and bowel-cleansing efficacy.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Sodium picosulfate / magnesium oxide / anhydrous citric acid?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Consider whether the antibiotic can be paused or completed before bowel preparation. Confirm the bowel preparation quality and consider an alternative regimen if cleansing is inadequate.
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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