Drug interactions
Amphotericin b + Colistin
Severity: Major
Amphotericin b and Colistin: 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
Both agents are nephrotoxic, and colistin also carries neurotoxicity risk. Together the risk of acute kidney injury is higher, and reduced colistin clearance can worsen toxicity.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amphotericin b and Colistin 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.
Amphotericin b belongs to Anti Fungals; Colistin belongs to Anti Bacterial.
Why it happens
Additive direct tubular nephrotoxicity.
What to do
Avoid concurrent use if an alternative antifungal or antibiotic is available, or use a lipid amphotericin formulation. Monitor serum creatinine daily and adjust the colistin dose to renal function.
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?
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Other interactions of Amphotericin b
- Amphotericin b + Cidofovir Contraindicated
- Adefovir + Amphotericin b Major
- Amikacin + Amphotericin b Major
- Amphotericin b + Arsenic trioxide Major
- Amphotericin b + Capreomycin Major
- Amphotericin b + Cephaloridine Major
Other interactions of Colistin
- Colistin + Polymyxin b Contraindicated
- Amikacin + Colistin Major
- Amphotericin b deoxycholate + Colistin Major
- Atracurium + Colistin Major
- Bacitracin + Colistin Major
- Capreomycin + Colistin Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amphotericin b with Colistin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amphotericin b and Colistin 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. Both agents are nephrotoxic, and colistin also carries neurotoxicity risk. Together the risk of acute kidney injury is higher, and reduced colistin clearance can worsen toxicity.
How serious is the interaction between Amphotericin b and Colistin?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid concurrent use if an alternative antifungal or antibiotic is available, or use a lipid amphotericin formulation. Monitor serum creatinine daily and adjust the colistin dose to renal function.
What other medicines interact with Amphotericin b?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amphotericin b with, for example, Cidofovir, Adefovir, Amikacin. The full list is on the Amphotericin b page.
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