Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Vinblastine
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Vinblastine: 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 vinblastine concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism. This could intensify neutropenia and neurotoxicity, and chloramphenicol itself is myelosuppressive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Vinblastine 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; Vinblastine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Chloramphenicol inhibits CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of vinblastine, with additive bone marrow suppression.
What to do
Use an alternative antibiotic if possible. If combined, monitor blood counts and neurologic status closely.
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 Vinblastine, 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 14 days on the web. No card needed.
Other interactions of Chloramphenicol
Other interactions of Vinblastine
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Vinblastine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Vinblastine 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 vinblastine concentrations by inhibiting its metabolism. This could intensify neutropenia and neurotoxicity, and chloramphenicol itself is myelosuppressive.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Vinblastine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use an alternative antibiotic if possible. If combined, monitor blood counts and neurologic status closely.
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.
