Drug interactions
Chloramphenicol + Zolpidem
Severity: Moderate
Chloramphenicol and Zolpidem: 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 may inhibit CYP3A4 and increase zolpidem exposure. This can cause excess sedation, next-day impairment and a higher risk of falls or complex sleep behaviors.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chloramphenicol and Zolpidem 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; Zolpidem belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Inhibition of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism of zolpidem by chloramphenicol.
What to do
Use the lowest effective zolpidem dose and counsel the patient about next-day drowsiness. Reduce the dose if excess sedation develops.
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 Zolpidem
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chloramphenicol with Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chloramphenicol and Zolpidem 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 may inhibit CYP3A4 and increase zolpidem exposure. This can cause excess sedation, next-day impairment and a higher risk of falls or complex sleep behaviors.
How serious is the interaction between Chloramphenicol and Zolpidem?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Use the lowest effective zolpidem dose and counsel the patient about next-day drowsiness. Reduce the dose if excess sedation develops.
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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