Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Vemurafenib
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Vemurafenib: 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
Vemurafenib is metabolized by CYP3A4, and chloramphenicol may increase its levels. Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval and cause hepatotoxicity, so higher exposure raises these risks.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Vemurafenib 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; Vemurafenib belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism of vemurafenib.
What to do
Prefer an alternative antibiotic. If unavoidable, monitor ECG, electrolytes and liver tests, and consider reducing the vemurafenib dose if toxicity occurs.
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?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chloramphenicol and Vemurafenib, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Other interactions of Vemurafenib
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Vemurafenib?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Vemurafenib 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. Vemurafenib is metabolized by CYP3A4, and chloramphenicol may increase its levels. Vemurafenib can prolong the QT interval and cause hepatotoxicity, so higher exposure raises these risks.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Vemurafenib?
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 ECG, electrolytes and liver tests, and consider reducing the vemurafenib dose if toxicity occurs.
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.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
