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Cephalosporins

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Vitamin K - Supplementation Possibly Helpful

See also Antibiotics (General)

These antibiotics work somewhat similarly to penicillin, but have been chemically modified to have a broader spectrum of effect.

Drugs in this family include

  • 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)
  • and others
Vitamin K

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. 1 For this reason, taking extra vitamin K may be a good idea when using cephalosporins over the long term.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • 1

    Shils M, et al. (eds.). Modern nutrition in health and disease, 9th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1999: 1634.