Drug interactions
Ciprofloxacin + Lefamulin
Severity: Major
Ciprofloxacin and Lefamulin: 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
Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so co-administration increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with bradycardia, hypokalemia, or other QT-prolonging drugs.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ciprofloxacin and Lefamulin 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.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Lefamulin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive pharmacodynamic QT prolongation.
What to do
Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists. If both are needed, check ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during treatment.
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
- Ciprofloxacin 250mg film-coated tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: drugs known to prolong QT interval; "drugs known to prolong QT interval") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
Other interactions of Ciprofloxacin
- Agomelatine + Ciprofloxacin Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Fezolinetant Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Tizanidine Contraindicated
- Ciprofloxacin + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Alosetron + Ciprofloxacin Major
Other interactions of Lefamulin
- Lefamulin + Methadone Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimavanserin Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Pimozide Contraindicated
- Lefamulin + Quinidine Contraindicated
- Alfuzosin + Lefamulin Major
- Amiodarone + Lefamulin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ciprofloxacin with Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ciprofloxacin and Lefamulin 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. Both agents can prolong the QT interval, so co-administration increases the risk of torsades de pointes. Risk is higher with bradycardia, hypokalemia, or other QT-prolonging drugs.
How serious is the interaction between Ciprofloxacin and Lefamulin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where an alternative antibiotic exists. If both are needed, check ECG and correct potassium and magnesium before and during treatment.
What other medicines interact with Ciprofloxacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ciprofloxacin with, for example, Agomelatine, Fezolinetant, Thioridazine. The full list is on the Ciprofloxacin page.
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