Drug interactions
Amikacin + Cefuroxime
Severity: Moderate
Amikacin and Cefuroxime: 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
Cefuroxime given with amikacin may increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in older, dehydrated or renally impaired patients. Amikacin is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used on purpose in serious infections.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amikacin and Cefuroxime 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; Cefuroxime belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive nephrotoxic potential; cephalosporins may modestly add to aminoglycoside tubular injury.
What to do
Monitor serum creatinine and amikacin levels, keep the patient hydrated and limit the aminoglycoside duration. Adjust the doses for renal function.
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 Cefuroxime
- Aluminum hydroxide + Cefuroxime 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 Cefuroxime?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Amikacin and Cefuroxime 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. Cefuroxime given with amikacin may increase the risk of kidney injury, especially in older, dehydrated or renally impaired patients. Amikacin is the principal nephrotoxic and ototoxic agent, and the combination is often used on purpose in serious infections.
How serious is the interaction between Amikacin and Cefuroxime?
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, keep the patient hydrated and limit the aminoglycoside duration. Adjust the doses for renal function.
What other medicines interact with Cefuroxime?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Cefuroxime with, for example, Aluminum hydroxide. The full list is on the Cefuroxime page.
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