Drug interactions
Amikacin + Cefazolin
Severity: Moderate
Amikacin and Cefazolin: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amikacin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and cephalosporins have been reported to add to renal injury in some cases. Cefazolin has relatively low nephrotoxic potential, but the combination is used together often enough that kidney function needs attention.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amikacin and Cefazolin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Amikacin belongs to Anti Bacterial; Cefazolin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Possible additive renal tubular injury; aminoglycoside toxicity is the dominant contributor.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and amikacin levels during therapy. Adjust the amikacin dose to renal function and minimize treatment duration.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Cefazolin
- Bcg vaccine live + Cefazolin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Cholera vaccine Moderate
- Cefazolin + Dexamethasone-tobramycin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Gentamicin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Kanamycin Moderate
- Cefazolin + Microbiota Moderate
Other interactions of Amikacin
- Amikacin + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Amikacin Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b deoxycholate Major
- Amikacin + Atracurium Major
- Amikacin + Bacitracin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amikacin with Cefazolin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amikacin and Cefazolin can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Amikacin is nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and cephalosporins have been reported to add to renal injury in some cases. Cefazolin has relatively low nephrotoxic potential, but the combination is used together often enough that kidney function needs attention.
How serious is the interaction between Amikacin and Cefazolin?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum creatinine and amikacin levels during therapy. Adjust the amikacin dose to renal function and minimize treatment duration.
What other medicines interact with Cefazolin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefazolin with, for example, Bcg vaccine live, Cholera vaccine, Dexamethasone-tobramycin. The full list is on the Cefazolin page.
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