Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Sufentanil sl
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Sufentanil sl: major 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
Sufentanil is cleared by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise and prolong its levels. This may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression and excessive sedation.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Sufentanil sl can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4, decreasing sufentanil clearance.
What to do
Monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely, particularly when starting or stopping chloramphenicol. Reduce the sufentanil dose or use an alternative analgesic if the combination is necessary.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Sufentanil sl can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Sufentanil is cleared by CYP3A4, so chloramphenicol may raise and prolong its levels. This may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression and excessive sedation.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Sufentanil sl?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor respiratory rate and sedation closely, particularly when starting or stopping chloramphenicol. Reduce the sufentanil dose or use an alternative analgesic if the combination is necessary.
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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