Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Typhoid vaccine live
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Typhoid vaccine live: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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 has activity against Salmonella Typhi and can inhibit the live attenuated vaccine strain. This may prevent adequate replication and weaken the immune response.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Typhoid vaccine live 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
Antibacterial activity against the live attenuated Salmonella Typhi vaccine strain reduces vaccine take.
What to do
Give the oral live typhoid vaccine only after the antibiotic course is complete and a suitable interval has passed. Consider the inactivated injectable vaccine if immunization cannot be delayed.
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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References
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Typhoid vaccine live?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Typhoid vaccine live 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 has activity against Salmonella Typhi and can inhibit the live attenuated vaccine strain. This may prevent adequate replication and weaken the immune response.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Typhoid vaccine live?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Give the oral live typhoid vaccine only after the antibiotic course is complete and a suitable interval has passed. Consider the inactivated injectable vaccine if immunization cannot be delayed.
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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