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Drug interactions

Amikacin + Contrast media

Severity: Major

Amikacin and Contrast media: major 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

Iodinated contrast can cause acute kidney injury, and amikacin is itself nephrotoxic and depends on renal clearance. Together they raise the risk of kidney damage, and reduced clearance then increases aminoglycoside exposure and ototoxicity risk.

What this interaction means in plain words

Amikacin and Contrast media can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive nephrotoxicity, with impaired renal clearance of amikacin raising its concentrations.

What to do

Ensure adequate hydration and avoid the combination in patients with renal impairment where possible. Monitor serum creatinine and amikacin levels, and separate exposures as far as feasible.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Amikacin with Contrast media?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amikacin and Contrast media can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Iodinated contrast can cause acute kidney injury, and amikacin is itself nephrotoxic and depends on renal clearance. Together they raise the risk of kidney damage, and reduced clearance then increases aminoglycoside exposure and ototoxicity risk.

How serious is the interaction between Amikacin and Contrast media?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Ensure adequate hydration and avoid the combination in patients with renal impairment where possible. Monitor serum creatinine and amikacin levels, and separate exposures as far as feasible.

What other medicines interact with Amikacin?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Amikacin with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amphotericin b. The full list is on the Amikacin page.

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