Clinical pharmacist intervention in contraindications of the co-administration of cefoperazone and ambroxol hydrochloride injection

Z.-Q. Du, Y. Jiang, R.-R. Lu, Q. Zhou, H.-H. Zhu, Y. Shen

Mental Health Center of Jiangnan University, Wuxi Central Rehabilitation Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. shenyuan8606@163.com

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• Pharmacy

BACKGROUND: Clinical pharmacists identified contraindications in two cases concerning the co-administration of cefoperazone and ambroxol hydrochloride injection, prompting a thorough investigation.

CASE PRESENTATION: Clinically, two cases of contraindications for the co-administration of cefoperazone and ambroxol hydrochloride injection were discovered. After the intervention and analysis by clinical pharmacists, the possible reason could be the precipitation of free alkali due to the immediate administration of ambroxol after the infusion of cefoperazone. Clinical pharmacists suggested avoiding the co-administration of the two and recommended flushing the intravenous lines with 5% glucose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection during intravenous infusion to prevent direct drug interaction causing precipitation, thereby reducing the occurrence of adverse events. No adverse events occurred after the intervention, and no harm was caused to the patients.

CONCLUSIONS: The co-administration of cefoperazone and ambroxol hydrochloride injection can lead to the precipitation of free alkali, posing a risk of adverse events. Clinical pharmacists’ intervention could prevent this interaction. This practice has been shown to be effective, with no subsequent adverse events reported.

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