Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Tolbutamide
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Tolbutamide: 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
Chloramphenicol prolongs the half-life of tolbutamide, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This interaction has been described in clinical reports.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Tolbutamide 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; Tolbutamide belongs to Endocrine.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP2C9-mediated hepatic metabolism of tolbutamide.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose closely and educate the patient on hypoglycemia. Reduce the tolbutamide dose or use an alternative antibiotic if needed.
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
Other interactions of Tolbutamide
- Glyburide-metformin + Tolbutamide Major
- Insulin degludec-liraglutide + Tolbutamide Major
- Aceclofenac + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Acemetacin + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Tolbutamide Moderate
- Albiglutide + Tolbutamide Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Tolbutamide?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Tolbutamide 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 prolongs the half-life of tolbutamide, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This interaction has been described in clinical reports.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Tolbutamide?
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 blood glucose closely and educate the patient on hypoglycemia. Reduce the tolbutamide dose or use an alternative antibiotic if needed.
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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