Cephalosporins (drug interactions)
Cephalosporins are a class of antibiotics that, similar to penicillin, have been chemically modified to provide a broader spectrum of antibacterial effects. While effective in treating various infections, these antibiotics can have significant drug interactions. Notably, they may interfere with vitamin K levels by affecting the bacteria in the intestines that produce this essential nutrient. Long-term users of cephalosporins may benefit from additional vitamin K supplementation to mitigate potential deficiencies.
Moreover, certain herbs and supplements can interact negatively with cephalosporins. For instance, St. John's Wort may reduce the antibiotic's effectiveness, while garlic and ginkgo biloba can increase the risk of bleeding, a common side effect associated with these drugs. Additionally, patients should be cautious with prescription medications, as oral contraceptives may become less effective, and the risk of bleeding can rise when combined with anticoagulants. It is advisable to avoid probenecid, aminoglycosides, and alcohol during treatment with cephalosporins to prevent adverse effects. Understanding these interactions is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective use of cephalosporin antibiotics.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Cephalosporins (drug interactions)
DEFINITION: Class of antibiotics that work similarly to penicillin but have been chemically modified to have a broader spectrum of effect.
INTERACTION: Vitamin K, St. John's Wort, garlic, ginkgo biloba, various prescription medications
DRUGS IN THIS FAMILY: Cefadroxil (Duricef), cephalexin (Cefanex, Keflex, Keftab, Biocef), cephradine (Velosef), cefaclor (Ceclor, Ceclor CD), cefprozil (Cefzil), cefuroxime (Ceftin), loracarbef (Lorabid), cefdinir (Omnicef), cefixime (Suprax), cefpodoxime proxetil (Vantin), ceftibuten (Cedax)
Vitamin K
Effect: Supplementation Possibly Helpful
Like all other antibiotics, cephalosporins might interfere with vitamin K levels by killing vitamin K-producing bacteria in the intestines. In addition, antibiotics in the cephalosporin family may also interfere with the way vitamin K works. For this reason, taking extra vitamin K may be a good idea when using cephalosporins over the long term.
Other Interactions
Several additional herbs and supplements may interact with cephalosporins as well. St. John’s Wort may decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotic. Garlic and ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, a known side effect of cephalosporins. Various prescription medications should also be avoided when taking cephalosporins. Oral contraceptives may have decreased effectiveness, and anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk. Patients should also avoid probenecid, aminoglycosides, and alcohol.
Bibliography
Bui, Toai and Charles V. Preuss. Cephalosporins, Stat Pearls Publishing, 2022.
Corcione, Silvia, Tommaso Lupia, and Francesco Guiseppe DeRosa. "Novel Cephalosporins in Septic Subjects and Severe Infections: Present Findings and Future Perspective." Secondary Infectious Diseases--Surveillance Prevention and Treatment, 7 May 2021, doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.617378. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Pruess, Charles. "Cephalosporins - StatPearls." NCBI, 17 Feb. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551517. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.
Shils, M., et al., editors. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed., Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999.