Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Vincristine
Severity: Major
Chloramphenicol and Vincristine: 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 vincristine exposure by CYP3A4 inhibition. This can worsen peripheral neuropathy, constipation or ileus, and other neurotoxic effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Vincristine 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; Vincristine belongs to Oncology.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4 reduces vincristine clearance.
What to do
Prefer a non-inhibiting antibiotic. If combined, monitor closely for neurotoxicity and bowel function and adjust vincristine as needed.
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 Vincristine
- Adenovirus types 4 and 7 live + Vincristine Contraindicated
- Apalutamide + Vincristine Major
- Atazanavir + Vincristine Major
- Ceritinib + Vincristine Major
- Clarithromycin + Vincristine Major
- Cobicistat + Vincristine Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Vincristine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chloramphenicol and Vincristine 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 vincristine exposure by CYP3A4 inhibition. This can worsen peripheral neuropathy, constipation or ileus, and other neurotoxic effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Vincristine?
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 a non-inhibiting antibiotic. If combined, monitor closely for neurotoxicity and bowel function and adjust vincristine as 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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