Can you take Cefepime with Interferon alfa-2b?
1 drug interaction and 28 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- cefepime
- interferon alfa-2b
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b cefepime
Applies to: interferon alfa-2b and cefepime
Using interferon alfa-2b together with cefepime may increase the risk of kidney and/or nerve damage.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications.
You should seek medical attention if you experience signs and symptoms that may suggest kidney damage such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- increased or decreased urination
- sudden weight gain or weight loss
- fluid retention
- swelling
- shortness of breath
- muscle cramps
- tiredness
- weakness
- dizziness
- confusion
- irregular heart rhythm
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you develop diarrhea or vomiting during treatment with these medications, as dehydration can also harm the kidney.
In addition, let your doctor know if you develop:
- seizures
- hearing problems
- numbness, burning or tingling in your hands and feet
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.
Food/lifestyle interactions
No alcohol/food interactions were found. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Disease interactions
28 potential interactions Applies to: 22 conditions, including Depression, Underactive Thyroid, Heart Failure, Seizures, and Peripheral Neuropathy.
Arrhythmia
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Autoimmune Disorders
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Autoimmune Disorders.
Antiviral interferons may exacerbate autoimmune disorders such as myositis, thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or autoimmune hepatitis. Therapy should be avoided or administered with extreme caution in patients with autoimmune disorders.
Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.
Interferons (alfa and gamma) induce a dose-dependent, generally mild, myelosuppression. Leukopenia is the primary manifestation. Thrombocytopenia and anemia occur less frequently. Therapy with interferons (alfa and gamma) should be administered cautiously to patients with bone marrow suppression. Clinical monitoring of hematopoietic function is recommended.
Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Coagulation Defects and Disorders
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Coagulation Defects and Disorders.
Cephalosporins may be associated with reduced prothrombin activity/prolonged prothrombin time. Risk factors include renal or liver dysfunction, poor nutritional state, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and previously stabilized on/receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in at-risk patients and managed as indicated (e.g., exogenous vitamin K administered).
Depression
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Depression.
Interferons (alfa or beta) can induce depression and suicidal behavior. Suicidal attempts and suicides have been reported. Therapy with interferons (alfa or beta) should be administered cautiously to patients with or predisposed to mental depression. Clinical monitoring of psychological status is recommended.
Diabetes Mellitus
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Use of cephalosporins may result in a false-positive reaction for glucose in urine with certain methods (e.g., Clinitest tablets). Glucose tests based on enzymatic glucose oxidase reactions are recommended for patients receiving cephalosporins.
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Flu-like symptoms frequently associated with interferon-alfa therapy can precipitate ketoacidosis in diabetic patients. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Clinical monitoring of blood glucose concentrations and anti-diabetic therapy is recommended.
Heart Failure
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Hemodialysis
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Hemodialysis.
Most cephalosporin antibiotics are removed by hemodialysis. Doses should either be scheduled for administration after dialysis or supplemental doses be given after dialysis. Cefonicid, cefixime, and ceftriaxone are not significantly removed by hemodialysis.
Hyperthyroidism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
Ischemic Heart Disease
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.
Hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function.
Liver Disease
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Hepatotoxicity, including fatal cases, has been reported in patients treated with interferon alpha. Additionally, the risk of hepatic decompensation and death is increased in patients with cirrhosis. Any patient developing liver function abnormalities during treatment should be monitored closely and treatment should be discontinued if appropriate. Interferon-alfa is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and decompensated liver disease.
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Cases of hepatitis have been reported with the use of certain cephalosporins. Transient rise in AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase levels have also been observed. Caution and monitoring are recommended when these agents are prescribed to patients with hepatic disorders.
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Cephalosporins may be associated with reduced prothrombin activity/prolonged prothrombin time. Risk factors include renal or liver dysfunction, poor nutritional state, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and previously stabilized on/receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in at-risk patients and managed as indicated (e.g., exogenous vitamin K administered).
Malnourishment
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Malnourishment.
Cephalosporins may be associated with reduced prothrombin activity/prolonged prothrombin time. Risk factors include renal or liver dysfunction, poor nutritional state, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and previously stabilized on/receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in at-risk patients and managed as indicated (e.g., exogenous vitamin K administered).
Noninfectious Colitis
Major:
cefepime
Cefepime has a major potential interaction with Noninfectious Colitis.
Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), formerly pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with almost all antibacterial drugs and may range from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. The most common culprits include clindamycin and lincomycin. Antibacterial therapy alters the normal flora of the colon, leading to overgrowth of C difficile, whose toxins A and B contribute to CDAD development. Morbidity and mortality are increased with hypertoxin-producing strains of C difficile; these infections can be resistant to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea after antibacterial use. Since CDAD has been reported to occur more than 2 months after antibacterial use, careful medical history is necessary. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterials and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with history of gastrointestinal disease, particularly colitis; pseudomembranous colitis (generally characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes associated with the passage of blood and mucus), if it occurs, may be more severe in these patients and may be associated with flares in underlying disease activity. Antibacterial drugs not directed against C difficile may need to be stopped if CDAD is suspected or confirmed. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibacterial treatment of C difficile, and surgical evaluation should be started as clinically indicated.
Parkinsonism
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Parkinsonism.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Peripheral Neuropathy.
Paresthesia and numbness have been reported during interferon therapy. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to peripheral neuropathy.
Psychosis
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Proteinuria (rare), not associated with a decrease in serum protein, is the most common renal toxicity observed with interferon- alfa therapy. Increased BUN and serum creatinine levels, hematuria, acute renal failure and nephrotic syndrome have also been reported. Therapy with interferon alfa should be administered cautiously to patients with severe renal dysfunction. Renal function should be evaluated in all patients before initiation of interferon- alfa therapy. In addition, patients with any degree of renal impairment should be carefully monitored for laboratory abnormalities and decreased creatinine clearance. A reduced dose of medication is recommended in patients with low CrCl (less than 50 mL/min - 30 mL/min).
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Most beta-lactam antibacterial agents are eliminated by the kidney as unchanged drug and, in some cases, also as metabolites. The serum concentrations of beta-lactam antibacterial agents and their metabolites may be increased, and the half-lives prolonged, in patients with impaired renal function. Neurotoxic reactions (e.g., encephalopathy, aphasia, asterixis, myoclonus, seizures, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, coma) have been reported in such patients treated parenterally with these agents. Dosage adjustments may be necessary, and modifications should be based on the degree of renal dysfunction as well as severity of infection in accordance with the individual manufacturer product information. Renal function tests should be performed periodically during prolonged and/or high-dose therapy since nephrotoxicity and alterations in renal function have occasionally been associated with the use of these drugs.
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
Cephalosporins may be associated with reduced prothrombin activity/prolonged prothrombin time. Risk factors include renal or liver dysfunction, poor nutritional state, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and previously stabilized on/receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in at-risk patients and managed as indicated (e.g., exogenous vitamin K administered).
Seizures
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Seizures.
Reversible CNS effects such as seizures, mental status changes, manic behavior or psychotic reactions, gait disturbances, and dizziness have occurred in patients receiving interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to seizures, psychiatric disorders, or conditions affecting posture or gait.
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.
Cephalosporins have been implicated in triggering seizures. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus, encephalopathy, coma, asterixis, neuromuscular excitability, and myoclonia have been reported with cephalosporins, particularly in patients with a history of epilepsy and/or when recommended dosages of cephalosporins were exceeded due to renal dysfunction. Dosage should be adjusted based on the degree of renal function. Anticonvulsant therapy should be continued in patients with known seizure disorders. If CNS adverse reactions including seizures occur, patients should undergo a neurological evaluation to determine whether treatment should be discontinued.
Ulcerative Colitis
Moderate:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a moderate potential interaction with Ulcerative Colitis.
Fatal and nonfatal ulcerative or hemorrhagic/ischemic colitis have been observed within 12 weeks of the start of alpha interferon treatment. Abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and fever are the typical manifestations. Treatment should be discontinued immediately in patients who develop these signs and symptoms. The colitis usually resolves within 1 to 3 weeks of discontinuation of alpha interferons.
Underactive Thyroid
Major:
interferon alfa-2b
Interferon alfa-2b has a major potential interaction with Underactive Thyroid.
Thyroid abnormalities, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, have been reported in patients administered interferons. Therapy with interferons should be administered cautiously to patients with thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid control cannot be maintained within normal limits with medication, interferon-alfa should be discontinued. Clinical monitoring of thyroid function is recommended.
Vitamin K Deficiency
Moderate:
cefepime
Cefepime has a moderate potential interaction with Vitamin K Deficiency.
Cephalosporins may be associated with reduced prothrombin activity/prolonged prothrombin time. Risk factors include renal or liver dysfunction, poor nutritional state, prolonged antimicrobial therapy, and previously stabilized on/receiving anticoagulant therapy. Prothrombin time should be monitored in at-risk patients and managed as indicated (e.g., exogenous vitamin K administered).
More resources
cefepime
A total of 88 drugs are known to interact with cefepime.
- Cefepime is in the drug class fourth generation cephalosporins.
- Cefepime is used to treat the following conditions:
interferon alfa-2b
A total of 272 drugs are known to interact with interferon alfa-2b.
- Interferon alfa-2b is in the drug class antineoplastic interferons.
- Interferon alfa-2b is used to treat the following conditions:
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.