Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Sunitinib
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Sunitinib: 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
Chloramphenicol may increase sunitinib exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. This can worsen sunitinib adverse effects including hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, hypertension and myelosuppression.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Sunitinib 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.
Chloramphenicol belongs to Anti Bacterial; Sunitinib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 by chloramphenicol decreases the metabolism of sunitinib and its active metabolite.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor for toxicity and ECG and consider reducing the sunitinib dose.
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
Other interactions of Sunitinib
- Adagrasib + Sunitinib Major
- Amiodarone + Sunitinib Major
- Amisulpride + Sunitinib Major
- Anagrelide + Sunitinib Major
- Apalutamide + Sunitinib Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Sunitinib Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Sunitinib 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. Chloramphenicol may increase sunitinib exposure through CYP3A4 inhibition. This can worsen sunitinib adverse effects including hepatotoxicity, QT prolongation, hypertension and myelosuppression.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Sunitinib?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Prefer an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor for toxicity and ECG and consider reducing the sunitinib dose.
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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