Drug Interaction Report

Probenecid and Cefpodoxime: Interaction Details

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Probenecid

No brand names on record
+

Cefpodoxime

Banan® Cefpoderm Dermaceph Simplicef Vantin®
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Updated Aug 8, 2026
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 59 documented Probenecid interactions, 22 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
delayed
Evidence
probable
Severity
Moderate

What happens

Increased serum cefpodoxime levels

Interaction Deep Dive

The renal excretion of cefpodoxime is inhibited by probenecid. Coadministration of these two drugs has resulted in a 31% increase in the cefpodoxime area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) and a 20% increase in the peak plasma level of cefpodoxime1.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Decreased cefpodoxime renal excretion

Common questions

Can I take Probenecid and Cefpodoxime together?

Increased serum cefpodoxime levels Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Probenecid and Cefpodoxime interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "delayed". Effects tend to build up gradually over days to weeks.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "probable". Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.

From our Q&A

Real reader questions about these medications, each personally answered by our pharmacist:

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Probenecid or Cefpodoxime need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (1)

  1. Product Information: Vantin(R), cefpodoxime proxetil. Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, MI, 1998. DailyMed
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Beyond drug–drug

These medications also interact with supplements

Prescription drugs aren't the whole picture — herbal and dietary supplements can interact with them too. From the evidence-graded Natural Medicines database:

major · moderate · minor — check everything you take with our drug–supplement interaction checker.

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This information is for education, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without talking to your pharmacist or prescriber.